Hunts Pond

Porter Robson was appointed to design a small residential development at Hunts Pond Road, Park Gate, creating two detached four-bedroom family homes within an established residential setting.

The development was conceived as a pair of related but individual houses, sharing a coherent architectural language while responding independently to their position within the site. Traditional pitched forms and familiar residential proportions establish a clear relationship with the surrounding neighbourhood, while contemporary detailing gives the scheme its own identity.

The houses are arranged around a landscaped shared approach, with parking positioned away from the gardens. A separate timber-framed carport with a planted green roof provides covered parking while introducing a softer landscape element to the centre of the development. The site plan also retains planting around the boundaries, helping the new homes settle naturally into their surroundings.

Externally, a palette of brick, slate tiles, stone features and well proportioned windows gives the houses a robust domestic character. The design drawings also incorporate integrated photovoltaic panels and rooflights within the roofscape.

Internally, both homes are planned around modern family life. Generous kitchen and dining spaces form the principal social areas, complemented by separate lounges, studies and practical utility accommodation. At first floor, four-bedroom layouts provide flexible family accommodation, including en-suite facilities to the principal bedrooms.

The completed project also demonstrates the value of treating architecture, landscape and environmental measures as one composition. Integrated photovoltaics reduce operational energy demand, while the green-roof carport, new planting and carefully organised external spaces help create a greener setting for the homes.

Hunts Pond Gardens demonstrates how a modest residential development can achieve more than simply maximising the number of homes on a site, creating well-planned contemporary houses with a strong sense of place, generous family accommodation and a considered landscape setting.