Hedy's Way
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Courtyard
Architects in Residence (website) Download Original
Three small sheds connected by a brick path for an elderly couple looking to pursue individual hobbies
The demolition of an existing garage and store allowed for the reworking of the land to the side of a 1960s family house. The brief was to create a potting shed for her, workshop for him, and a conservatory to share, laid out to from a sheltered courtyard garden.
The three buildings, taking their mono-pitch form from the lean-to structures in traditional walled gardens, and the associated glazed verandah were placed around the existing house and entrance resulting in inter-linking spaces between them which were considered as outside rooms with different functions and feels.
As the couple are elderly the opportunity was taken to improve access into the house generally and specifically to the back garden where the ground drops by about 80cm. Therefore the sequence of spaces also accommodates a ramp, creating a varied journey from the front of the house to the rear, always providing glimpses of the views at the bottom of the garden.
Each building shares the same vocabulary of form, materials and structural detailing but each is modified slightly to accommodate its position relative to the house, the garden and usage requirement.
Data
- Completed: 2007
- Floor area: 40m2
- Sector: House
- Total cost: £110,000
- Address: Hedys Way, Bursledon, Southampton, SO31, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Architects in Residence
- Project architect: Jo Townshend
- Client: Private