6.0 Built Environment

The use of standard house types that take no or little account of a site, its unique
characteristics and its context will not be acceptable. Housing designs which are
contemporary, innovative and sympathetic to the locality will be encouraged

6.1 Architectural Character
6.2 Scale, Form and Massing
6.2.1 Mix and Diversity
6.2.2 Building Lines
6.2.3 Building Heights
6.3 Building Forms
6.4 Elevational Treatment
6.5 Garages and Ancillary Buildings
6.6 Windows and Doors
6.7 Balconies
6.8 Roofs
6.9 Chimneys
6.10 Front Entrances and Porches
6.11 Conservatories and Atria
6.12 Details
6.13 Selection and Use of Materials
6.14 Robust Adaptable Buildings
6.14.1 Extensions
6.14.2 Roof Extensions
6.14.3 Internal Conversions
6.14.4 Flexible Construction
6.14.5 Wide Frontage Dwelling Plans

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6.1 Architectural Character

Consideration should be given to the following:

• Local distinctiveness. Architectural design should ensure that
  buildings relate to each other and to the wider context;
  
• Style. New development should not attempt to replicate previous
  built forms. The council encourages the reinterpretation of
  traditional building forms and materials in a modern way that
  respects the existing context;
  
• Image. Contemporary and simple designs will be encouraged.
  Elaborate building forms and treatments should be reserved for
  landmark buildings;
  
• Details. Architectural details should be appropriate to the form and
  the function of the building. The use of standard details that are
  unrelated to the architectural style or serve no specific function are
  unacceptable;
  
• Diversity. On larger developments, a variety of architectural styles
  will be encouraged to create visual interest;
  
• Unity. Whilst diversity is encouraged, developments should use a
  common language of architectural details to maintain coherence
  and an overall unity; and
  
• High Quality. For an enduring development.

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6.2 Scale, Form and Massing

The scale, height and bulk of development will have an important
influence on the quality of the environment and character of the
streetscape.

6.2.1 Mix and Diversity

Over the years density has been used as a defining factor in the design
and layout of the residential environment. Density however can be
calculated in a variety of ways, none of which guarantee a good
physical form or creation of a quality streetscape. Many new
developments, although of low density, appear overdeveloped as a
result of being dominated by inappropriate large-scale dwellings or
single type properties with minimal space separating buildings and little
opportunity for landscaping. Density will not be used as the primary
means of assessing design acceptability.

Chapter 4.5 refers to the need to divide the site into areas of variable
density, shape and road pattern. Chapter 4.8.1 encourages the
development of a detailed set of building codes reflecting the structure
and hierarchy of streets and public spaces. Within these design
parameters, there is also the need at the local level to create a
streetscape of appropriate scale and character.

To achieve this developments should:

• provide a mix of building types and sizes;
  
• consider the grouping of buildings and how they relate to each
  other; and
  
• consider the relationship between buildings, open space and
  opportunities for landscaping.

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6.2.2 Building Lines

The location of buildings must be carefully considered in order to
provide a robust and coherent composition of built form relative to the
street and public spaces. Consideration should be given to the
particular role a dwelling performs relative to other buildings in the
layout. Development should create a positive relationship between
the public realm/streetscape and built form.

• Building frontages, windows and entrances should face and
  overlook streets and public space;
  
• buildings should create appropriate levels of enclosure;
  
• development should have a clearly defined building line creating
  a clear visual edge;
  
• building lines should relate to the street pattern. As a general
  rule layouts should avoid “saw-tooth” staggered setbacks;
  
• layouts and plan forms should produce house types capable of
  addressing corners, both internal and external and be of sufficient
  character and size to terminate vistas etc;
  
• attention should be given to the relationship of the new buildings
  to existing views and vistas and to the creation of new landmarks
  to the street hierarchy where appropriate;
  
• the need to accommodate the car parking should not be to the
  detriment of the streetscape.

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6.2.3 Building Heights

Building heights should relate to the forms and proportions of the
surrounding buildings. In rural areas building heights generally vary
between 1.5 and 2 storeys with the roof being the dominant feature. In
the urban area of Peterborough, traditional terraced houses of 2 and
2.5 storeys high typify the streetscape. Roof pitches are shallow with
eaves detail being an important element.

As a general rule:

• building heights should be determined by the character and
  function of the individual buildings and their relationship to the
  street or public spaces;
  
• buildings should be arranged to assist in the variation of
  building height, creating visual interest and breaking up the overall
  mass of the development;
  
• individual landmark buildings should be greater in height to
  emphasise their significance in the streetscape; and
  
• building silhouettes and profiles are also important so careful
  consideration should be given to secondary elements such as
  chimneys.

 

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6.3 Building Forms

Traditionally buildings are composed of simple forms, normally
rectangular with the pitched roof spanning the narrower plan
dimension. Key design features include:

• the width or plan depth of buildings is generally 5 metres to 6.5
  metres or one room deep;
  
• the simple roof form, of varying pitches dependent on the use of
  available roofing materials, being the dominant element;
  
• Other elements if added, are subsidiary or subservient to the
  dominant element; and
  
• gabled projections to the front elevation are rarely found except on
  individual buildings of quality. Where they occur they are
  appreciated as a highlight within the streetscape.

The main problem today is that most dwellings are composed of too
many elements, all given equal weighting or importance and there is no
hierarchy of forms.

However, where buildings are of more complex shape, they should be
composed of an assemblage of simple forms each with its own roof
pitched over the shorter dimension and within an obvious hierarchy of
elements.




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6.4 Elevational Treatment

Elevational treatment should take account of the forms and proportions
of the local area. Development should:

• embrace local distinctiveness;
  
• avoid confused application of architectural styles or
  inappropriate historical imitation;
  
• aim for an overall simplicity of form and design. Avoid the use
  of “stuck-on” elements;
  
• use an obvious hierarchy of elements; and
  
• carefully consider the relationship, placing and sizing/proportion
  of the windows and door openings.
  
  • avoid casual arrangement of openings. Traditionally most
    medium to wide frontage dwellings have their openings arranged
    symmetrically around an opening placed centrally, generally the
    front door. Irregular compositions or asymmetrical elevation
    should have a strongly emphasised axis made up of a grouping
    of secondary symmetrical elements (Figure 6.4A).
    
  • In terraces of more than 3 properties and wider frontage
    elevations the requirement for strongly centralised compositions
    is less great, unless the design concept is to produce a formal
    composition. In such cases patterns and repetitive elements
    become important and asymmetrical arrangements can look
    attractive (Figure 6.4B).
    
  • use windows sized for the rooms they serve, e.g. high-level
    windows to toilets and bathrooms and raised cills for kitchen and
    utility rooms and patio doors to living rooms. A coherent
    approach to the pattern of the elevational openings should be
    adopted, with vertical heights of openings at each floor level
    window the same, especially on primary elevations.
    Randomness of window sizes can form part of a coherent
    pattern, however, if applied to secondary elevations and/or
    contained in secondary elements.

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6.5 Garages and Ancillary Buildings

The provision of integral garages can significantly detract from the
visual quality of the house. The garage door can dominate the front of
the house, its size and scale impacting on the proportions of windows
and doors (Figure 6.4A).

In designing garages or outbuildings, the following principles should be
taken into account:

• flexibility in the location, either by turning in various directions as
  a free standing structure or combining to form larger secondary
  structures;
  
• avoid the use of flat roof and double width doors;
  
• avoid pitching roofs the wrong way in freestanding buildings;
  
• avoid rows of doors or open forecourts which can visually
  dominate the residential environment; and
  
• ensure that numbers and the design of garages remain in scale
  and are architecturally sympathetic to the development.

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6.6 Windows and Secondary Doors

Careful consideration needs to be given to the position of windows and
doors, to achieve an appropriate balance between providing a
satisfactory floor plan and a visually balanced and attractive elevation.

The following criteria should be taken into account:

• windows with a vertical emphasis help retain the visual robustness
  of the wall. Window openings with a horizontal emphasis should be
  subdivided into equal rectangular elements;
  
• avoid the use of large unsubdivided or unevenly divided windows
  unless a fundamental element of the design concept;
  
• reduce window areas on northern elevations, although they should
  still be large enough to provide adequate daylight to the rooms they
  light;
  
• concentrate glazing on the southern elevation, but without making
  window areas too large because of cost and the resultant heat
  losses at night;
  
• avoid excessive solar gains by shading windows from summer
  sunshine, if buildings do not incorporate thermal mass to absorb
  solar gains;
  
• ensure that south-facing elevations remain unshielded as far as
  possible in the winter to maximize benefits of solar gain;
  
• carefully consider the appropriateness, location and proportions of
  patio and French doors relative to the overall visual composition of
  the building;
  
• frame sizes, pane subdivisions, ventilation and methods of opening;
  and
  
• establish a hierarchy of window sizes appropriate to the use of the
  room and the visual integrity of the external elevation. For example,
  variety of window sizes to suit daylight needs and lower cills to
  important rooms.

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6.7 Balconies

Balconies provide a valuable amenity space and can contribute
towards the requirements for private amenity spaces for flats above
ground floor level.

The following points should be considered in the design of balconies:

• ensure that balconies do not directly overlook private gardens;
  
• provide sufficient space for two people to sit comfortably;
  
• balance the need for privacy and outward views from the
  balcony. Careful selection of balustrade can assist in providing
  appropriate levels of enclosure and privacy;
  
• provide partially covered balconies where appropriate;
  
• incorporate planting boxes where appropriate; and
  
• Avoid structures, which could facilitate access to upper level
  windows thereby reducing security.

Where it is not possible to provide balconies because of overlooking
adjacent properties, consider the provision of “Juliet” balconies (Figure
6.8F).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6.8 Roofs

Visual interest and variety in the roofscape of developments can be
achieved through the careful consideration of the grouping of buildings,
the choice of roofing materials, use of different pitches, variation in
eaves and verge details and the inclusion of chimney stacks or other
features that project above the ridge line. The following general points
should be considered:

• pitched roofs should be used in preference to flat roofs. Flat roofs
  should only be used where it is a fundamental element of the
  design concept or where the introduction of a pitched roof would be
  inappropriate;
  
• roof pitches and detailing should relate to the material used. The
  choice of material is dependent on the character of the area;
  
• different pitched roofs for primary and secondary building elements;
  
• gabled roofs are common within the Peterborough area, and hipped
  roofs should be chosen with care to ensure that buildings integrate
  well into the streetscape;
  
• dormers should not dominate the elevation. The main roofing
  material should continue over the dormers;
  
• position of dormers relative to size and importance of the dwelling;
  
• the selection of key secondary elements such as chimneys and
  dormers and details such as gable ends and eaves.

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6.9 Chimneys

Chimney stacks help to punctuate rooflines and provide visual interest.
The relationship between the chimney and the roof is a major
determinant in the external appearance of a building. There are a
number of acceptable positions for the chimney:

• through the ridge;
  
• centrally on the gable end. Where located on a gable end the
  chimney stack should either be flush with the wall or projecting
  sufficiently so that the stack appears to have its own structural
  integrity; and
  
• at eaves projecting from a side wall.

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6.10 Front Entrances and Porches

Front entrances should be located to directly overlook the public street.
The addition of a porch on an entrance can enhance or detract from
the appearance of the building.

Recessed porches can give depth and substance to the external wall.

Careful consideration should be given to the inclusion of porches as
follows:

• porches and hoods are more associated with urban terraces and
  paired entrances;
  
• projecting porches clearly identify the entrance. They should be
  designed as an integral part of the building fabric to avoid the
  impression of a “flimsy” appendage;
  
• fully enclosed porches should be designed carefully so that they do
  not become over-obtrusive;
  
• the design of the porch should ensure that the size and scale in
  contrast to the elevation as a whole, does not over dominate; and
  
• the design of porches should ensure they do not provide easy
  access to upper level windows thereby reducing security of the
  dwelling.

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6.11 Conservatories and Atria

Careful design of conservatories and atria can contribute to the
creation of an energy efficient building in addition to providing a
valuable additional amenity space for the occupants.

The introduction of unheated conservatories or atria provide thermal
buffering and assist natural ventilation through the heat stack effect.
The use of atria has the additional advantage of introducing daylight
into the building.

Conservatories and atria should be fully insulated from the main
building to avoid overheating in summer and loss of heating in winter.
(Figure 6.11A)























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6.12 Details

Careful consideration should be given to the use of architectural details
which should:

• take into account local tradition but be contemporary;
  
• emphasise the character of the material, whether it is its size,
  repetitive quality or grain/texture. Consideration should also be
  given to the junction and combination of materials;
  
• reinforce the nature of the built form. Related details should be
  developed and used throughout a scheme;
  
• avoid “busy” or “overfussy” solutions. Simplicity of detailing is
  encouraged; and
  
• only use elaborate details to emphasise important or landmark
  buildings and provide the hierarchy to any development.

Consideration should also be given to the following:

• service pipes should be grouped and incorporated in chimney
  features or located on rear slopes. All soil and waste plumbing
  should run internally and be kept off elevations. Rainwater goods
  should be dark coloured.
  
• meter cupboards and service intakes should always be within the
  public domain and never within the private space of the dwelling or
  the rear garden. Appropriate locations include flank elevations in
  ground level chambers or in purpose made units which fit within the
  elevational treatment; and
  
• satellite dishes, television aerials etc, should not be visible from the
  public realm and an appropriate location should be identified at the
  design stage.
  

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6.13 Selection and Use of Materials

The long-term appearance of buildings and their impact on the
character of the area is greatly influenced by the type of materials
used. The selection of materials for new developments should:

• consider quality, fixing methods, colour, texture and profile;
  
• match or compliment the range of regional materials
  characteristic of the area. There is greater opportunity to introduce
  innovative materials in individual stand-alone buildings, of size and
  quality. Extensions and small developments should aim to
  compliment the character of the locality;
  
• consider the impact on the architectural features and built form;
  
• use a limited palette of materials to ensure coherence,
  particularly on small or infill developments or in sensitive locations
  such as conservation areas; and
  
• use good quality low maintenance materials for an attractive yet
  enduring appearance. Key considerations include durability, water
  run-off and the ability to withstand weathering.

Innovative use of materials and construction, especially when
associated with sustainability and energy efficiency, is encouraged. In
selecting construction materials, preference should be given to:

• naturally renewable materials, for example timber and timber
  products from sustainably managed forests independently certified
  by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC);
  
• reused materials such as locally available demolition materials for
  fill and hardcore, and crushed concrete aggregates for foundations,
  paths etc;
  
• materials with a high recycled content such as plastics from
  other industries and recycled construction waste and composite
  materials which recycle low grade substances; and
  
• locally produced materials with reduced embodied energy for
  transport and avoiding materials known to have a detrimental
  environmental effect in manufacture, use or disposal.

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6.14 Robust Adaptable Buildings

Building design and layout should be flexible to accommodate changes
in the occupants, needs, lifestyle and aspirations over time. The most
important consideration in designing a robust and adaptable home is
the area of space it provides and can potentially accommodate in the
future by providing opportunities for conversion, extension or
adaptation.

6.14.1 Extensions

Key points to consider include:

• the overall impact of the extension with regard to -
  overshadowing of adjacent windows and loss of light to rooms
  (Figure 6.14A). Terraced houses are one of the most difficult
  building forms to extend with opportunities restricted to the front or
  rear of the property. With narrow frontage terraced houses below
  6.5 metres, front or back extensions can block light from the original
  rooms. In these instances, the opportunities for roof conversions
  become particularly important;
  
• terraced frontages exceeding 6.5 metres provide opportunities for
  extending, provided the original design permits access;
  
• appropriate garden sizes must be provided to allow for
  potential extensions; and
  
• Semi-detached houses with frontages above 6.5 metres may
  provide opportunities for extension to front, rear and side of the
  property. To allow for side extensions, a space of at least 4 metres
  should be allowed to permit pedestrian access past the extension.

6.14.2 Roof Extensions

To ensure flexibility of use it is important to ensure the construction
and geometry of the roof facilitate easy conversion to a usable
space, if required. Key considerations include:

• providing adequate height;
  
• minimising structural constraints;
  
• use of attic trusses;
  
• locating the water tank to avoid obstructions of roofspace; and
  
• internal space planning to allow future stair access to the roof
  space.

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6.14.3 Internal Conversions

Different arrangements of the basic plan form showing in Figure 6.14B
shows how a flat can be customized to suit different users needs. The
plans shown include two additional spaces:

• a multi-purpose space (4m2 in area) that could be used as a second
  bathroom, utility, study, home office or storage room; and
  
• a large balcony that could be used either as a patio or converted
  into a winter garden.
  

6.14.4 Flexible Construction

Flexible construction methods allow for rearrangements of the same
dwelling over time. These include:

• framed or shell and core method of construction;
  
• lightweight demountable internal partitions;
  
• floating floors and ceiling voids to accommodate services;
  
• continuous skirting ducts for wiring etc;
  
• capacity built in for upgrading services and communication; and
  
• capacity built into the basic structure to allow for change of uses
  including ceiling heights, load bearing capacity, sound and thermal
  insulation and vertical connections.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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6.14.5 Wide Frontage Dwelling Plans

In designing robust and adaptable dwellings, wide frontage dwellings
offer a substantial number of advantages over more conventional
narrow terrace plan forms. These may be summarized as follows:

• all habitable rooms can be designed to face towards the south
  to benefit from solar gain;
  
• rooms are naturally lit and ventilated;
  
• wide span floor and roof from front to back of dwelling allows
  freedom of internal layout using non load-bearing partitions;
  
• internal layout to ‘Lifetime Homes’ requirements;
  
• winter gardens, conservatories and additional spaces can be
  easily added to front and back;
  
• standard front to back depth combined with varying frontage offers
  flexible approach to layout providing places of variety and
  character;
  
• short span floor and roof permits open attic space for future use;
  
• standard front to back depth suits rationalised production;
  
• suits steeper pitch roof for attic extension, solar water heating
  and photovoltaic panels;
  
• suits passive stack ventilation to kitchen and bathrooms; and
  
• provides good shaped “square” gardens.

Figure 6.14C show the possibilities for wide-frontage plans to be
extended to front and rear and into roof spaces.










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