Effort has been made to balance the mass, visual impact and design concept through the unique undulating roof form which aims to create a sense of place at the strategic entry point into Llanfoist along Merthyr Rd. The organic design reflects the prominent Blorenge backdrop with careful landscaping softening the proposal into the surrounding streetscape. The efficient plan layout maximising the soft landscaping on the site.
A natural, high quality material palette has been selected to integrate harmoniously within the rural settlement. Naturally durable timber and projecting timber posts to support the roof form will cast shadows across the façade and planted walkways emulating the textured fabric of the surrounding landscape. Buff brick provides more solidity to the scheme, placed at the corner and base of the two wings to hold the lighter timber elements. Brick is a high-quality material used throughout the existing residential developments of Llanfoist helping to connect the development with the local vernacular.
The location of the development is just as important as the quality of the architecture and design. Nestling in the Welsh Valleys the proposal enjoys breath taking views at the foot of the Blorenge Mountain. The community scale of the development allows for its central location in Llanfoist maintaining an active connection to local resources, residential communities, local activities and further afield to the nearby Brecon Beacons National Park making it ideal for active leisure pursuits.
The communal gardens designed by SEED Landscape Design provide a continuous connection to nature from within the development with wildlife friendly perennial planting, species rich grass areas and a small woodland garden greatly adding to the biodiversity of the site. A green roof has also been proposed to soften the proposal into the surrounding landscaping and Blorenge backdrop. The green roof acts as a sustainable drainage system and further contributes to new ecosystems on site.
It is proposed for the building to be built through sustainable modular construction targeting a net zero carbon build, tackling the pressing environmental concerns of future developments. Sustainable principles have informed the site layout, material specification, orientation and services. Sustainability over time has also been considered by designing to lifetime home standards with generous spaces which are adaptable to future changes. Electric car charging points will be provided in all parking bays alongside the provision of ample cycle storage and pedestrian connections to the local bus stop and further pavement networks to promote sustainable modes of transport.
