Philgate Place, Epping
Client: Plain Land LTD
Type: Residential New Build
Size: House 1 - 1780 sq ft, House 2 - 1078 sq ft
Service: Construction Drawings
Project Team Architects: Mark Waudby - MP Chartered Architects, Freddie Bellenger- Azzure Homes
Completion Date: July 2024
Project Brief
MP Chartered Architects partnered with local developer Plain Land LTD to provided detail construction drawings for the transformation of a former ambulance station in Epping, Essex, into a stunning gated development. The site, once housing portacabins and car parking for ambulance vehicles, presented an opportunity for the rapid construction of two luxury 3-4-bedroom detached homes. The client brief required blending traditional and contemporary architectural styles while ensuring a fast, efficient build process and maximizing return on investment (ROI).
Key features of the development included:
- Two luxury detached homes (House 1: 1,780 sq ft; House 2: 1,078 sq ft).
- Traditional construction methods combined with modern design elements.
- Use of premium materials such as Portland Stone and Zinc for enhanced kerb appeal.
Challenges
Inherited Planning Permission: MP Chartered Architects took over the project after the initial planning was obtained by another architectural firm. This required a meticulous review and modification of plans to ensure compliance with current building regulations and design goals.
Fire Safety Compliance: One of the major hurdles involved the positioning of a fire main under the site’s access road. This presented a challenge to ensure fire safety compliance. A solution was needed to ensure fire brigade access without disrupting the layout of the development.
Regulatory Adjustments for Windows: The original designs for windows required modification to meet building regulations, particularly in terms of fire, security and safety. Adjusting the dimensions and the opening mechanisms of the windows was critical to ensure both compliance and aesthetic integrity.
Part O Compliance (Thermal Efficiency): The homes were designed with large, heavily glazed areas, which required special attention to cooling and energy efficiency under Part O regulations. Given the amount of glazing, the project needed to mitigate overheating risks while maintaining the aesthetic vision.
Solutions
MP Chartered Architects employed a range of innovative solutions to tackle these challenges:
Fire Hydrant Relocation: The team addressed the issue with the fire main by identifying an alternative fire hydrant at the rear of the property. Additionally, they provided an alternative access route for the fire brigade, ensuring the development met fire safety requirements without disrupting the site’s flow.
Window Modifications: The construction drawings were updated to adjust the dimensions and opening mechanisms of the windows. These modifications adhered to building security standards, while maintaining the overall design intent.
Energy Efficiency & Cooling: To meet Part O requirements for thermal performance, air conditioning systems were integrated into both homes. Additionally, the architects ensured the homes were equipped with energy-efficient systems such as air source heat pumps and EV charging points, making them compliant with Part L for energy efficiency.
Sustainable Solutions : The construction drawings included the latest in sustainable technology, ensuring that each home
eatured energy-efficient solutions.
This included:
- Air source heat pumps for low-carbon heating.
- EV charging stations for electric vehicles.
- Design elements that reduced energy consumption while improving the comfort and experience for homeowners.
Results
The final development successfully transformed the former ambulance station site into an exclusive, gated complex, close to local amenities and offering luxury living with modern conveniences. The combination of beautiful materials such provided striking kerb appeal, while the homes’ contemporary design catered to modern living standards.
MP Chartered Architects delivered on their promise of superior construction drawings, enabling a streamlined and efficient build process. The use of sustainable energy solutions further increased the development’s desirability.
The project provided an excellent return on investment for Plain Land LTD, demonstrating how MP Chartered Architects can effectively manage challenges and deliver a high-quality outcome. The client was satisfied with the process, from planning adjustments to construction execution, resulting in a project that stands as a testament to our architectural and technical expertis
