mae

mæ, in collaboration with Proctor and Matthews Architects, was competitively selected to design a new sustainable village in South Bedfordshire. We have sought to create a development that has a strong sense of place and a clear identity. Our proposal is innovative, sustainable and above all carefully designed to create an exemplar scheme that will be highly desirable and offers a place full of character and delight.

The surrounding area is dominated by sprawling housing and consequently it is difficult to get any sense of where the heart of the neighbourhood lies. We have used the densities required to create an identifiable centre to the new neighbourhood.

Building heights step up towards a six storey landmark building in the heart of the project. A perimeter of courtyard type houses creates a sense of enclosure around the edge. Landscaped embankments and bunds define the relationship of the new development to the open common land to the south and the brook to the east. Open views are maintained through the development to the landscape beyond and the layout helps ensure that connections between the surrounding green spaces are maintained.

Materials are chosen to further define these conditions; timber is used predominately on the buildings around the edge, brick and render are used for the larger buildings towards the centre. A shared landscaped surface runs through the development.

Densities at the level required demand a different approach to the design of the family home. The arrangement of ‘L’ shaped houses and linear courtyard houses helps avoid problems of overlooking and principle living rooms can either be arranged to look onto the courtyard or out to the landscape or street depending on site orientation. The courtyard arrangement increases the qualities of space inside the home with large windows, flexible layouts and utility space. Courtyards provide play space for children and storage for bicycles and prams refuse and recycling bins.