We’re pleased to share Domus Verulam, a proposed 400sqm family home in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
Our practice has been appointed to undertake the feasibility study and pre-application process for the replacement of an existing 1960s dwelling, on a site with a complex combination of constraints.
The property sits within a Conservation Area, with Grade II Listed buildings surrounding the site, while a significant proportion of the garden is within the Green Belt. The site also has archaeological significance, given its connection to the historic Roman settlement of Verulamium, which developed into St Albans from around AD 50.
The challenge was to create a substantial family home while respecting the character, scale and setting of its surroundings.
DESIGNING AROUND THE CONSTRAINTS
The brief includes multiple bedrooms, generous living spaces, home office, gym, boot room and supporting spaces. We carefully considered the form, height and massing of the existing dwelling.
Maintaining the building envelope in key locations was important to avoid affecting the outlook and daylight enjoyed by neighbouring properties. This limited opportunities to extend the footprint at ground floor level and led us to explore a considered hierarchy of spaces.
At the heart of the proposal is a family home designed around living, entertaining and making memories, with generous spaces connecting to the garden and views towards the south.
The design adopts a hierarchy between served and servicing spaces. Where floor-to-ceiling heights are constrained, spaces such as the utility room, boot room, pantry and playroom make efficient use of the available volume. These contrast with a dramatic central area, where a vaulted ceiling creates an impressive and welcoming atrium.
The kitchen, dining and living spaces benefit from rooflights and floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, drawing natural light into the plan and framing views towards the garden. The first floor provides a principal suite with dressing room and ensuite, alongside four further double bedrooms, ensuites and a family bathroom.
A RESPONSE TO PLACE
Materiality provides a strong connection to the local character. A robust flint base references the distinctive use of flint throughout St Albans, while lightweight timber cladding at first floor level reduces the perceived mass. Clay roof tiles complete the palette, responding to the surrounding character.
The result is intended to feel rooted in its place, contemporary in its approach and generous in its response to family life.
It has been a pleasure working alongside our client, Bell Cornwell LLP Planning Consultants as planning consultants and Worlledge Associates as heritage consultants.
If you’re considering a challenging project, particularly within a Conservation Area, Green Belt or involving Listed Buildings, we’d be happy to discuss how we can help you understand the opportunities and constraints at an early stage. Please get in touch.
