Introduction

Houses

Design codes for all new houses

Introduction

Houses are the mainstay of residential accommodation in Trafford with historic housing stock spanning the centuries. The quality and diversity of houses in Trafford remains a key part of its appeal and the house building tradition should continue with new developments which add to this characterCharacter includes all of the elements that go to make a place, how it looks and feels, its geography and landscape, its noises and smells, activity, people and businesses. This character should be understood as a starting point for all development. Character can be understood at three levels; the area type in which the site sits, its surroundings and the features of the site. More.

The design of new houses and the demands of occupants are ever-evolving with technology and changing lifestyles. Special care and attention is required when considering proposed layouts to ensure they provide adequate space, adaptability and innovation.

Design Codes in this chapter

Type, Form and Profile

Plan and Layout

Accessibility

Elevation and Proportion

Material and Detail

Parking and Garages

Thresholds and Boundaries

Improving housing quality

3 simple steps for improving elevation proportion and composition

Improving the elevation of a typical two bedroom house should not require extra cost or delay. Simple changes to ceiling height, window size, proportions and window placement can make the difference. See example below.

Typical elevation for a two bedroom house

STEP 1: Increase the floor to ceiling heights to raise the eaves line to create better proportion — **STEP 1:** Increase the floor to ceiling heights to raise the eaves line to create better proportion

STEP 2: Recess windows and increase the ratio between window openings to wall space to over 25% — **STEP 2:** Recess windows and increase the ratio between window openings to wall space to over 25%

STEP 3: Reflect the two elevations to create symmetry and use a better proportioned porch with storage — **STEP 3:** Reflect the two elevations to create symmetry and use a better proportioned porch with storage

Standard housing types

The graphic below shows a common house design for terraced homes. The design lacks visual richness and there is no depth or articulationArchitectural composition in which elements and parts of the building are expressed logically, distinctly, and consistently. More in its form. The floor to ceiling height is too low and the composition of the elevation lacks structure or coherence. The oversized porch dominates the facade and the doorway is not accessible due to steps up to the threshold. There is no boundary treatment so storage such as bins is left open to public view.

Simple upgrades

The standard terrace housing typeTypes of housing can include: 1) House (detached, semi-detached, terraced); 2) Bungalow; and 3) Apartment. More can be improved with simple modifications. Windows must be larger to improve the visual aesthetic and allow for more light into the house, whilst retaining a balance of brick to window ratio. ArticulationArchitectural composition in which elements and parts of the building are expressed logically, distinctly, and consistently. More to the elevations is achieved by detailsThe details of a building are the individual components and how they are put together. Some are a deliberate part of the appearance of a building, including doors, windows and their surrounds, porches, decorative features and ironmongery. Others are functional, although they can also contribute to the appearance of a building. These include lighting, flues and ventilation, gutters, pipes and other rainwater details. Detailing affects the appearance of a building or space and how it is experienced. It also affects how well it weathers and lasts over time. More like string courses, overhanging eaves, recessed and projecting windows and appropriate window detailingThe details of a building are the individual components and how they are put together. Some are a deliberate part of the appearance of a building, including doors, windows and their surrounds, porches, decorative features and ironmongery. Others are functional, although they can also contribute to the appearance of a building. These include lighting, flues and ventilation, gutters, pipes and other rainwater details. Detailing affects the appearance of a building or space and how it is experienced. It also affects how well it weathers and lasts over time. More such as headers and cills. Repeating bay windows and chimneys create a pleasing repetition to the terrace. Boundary walls and landscaping hides bins and allows for a small garden.

A well designed home should:

Encourage community
Human interaction fosters a community spirit and helps improve the quality of life. Homes should be designed to promote interaction between neighbours and provide opportunities for communities to come together.

Make homes that last
It is essential that new homes are built to last and that existing homes are adapted in ways that extend their lifespan, responding to environmental, demographic and technological change.

Let nature in

Greenery provides interest, shade and offers a changing setting as the seasons pass. Trees also help absorb air borne pollutants, improving the air quality in residential neighbourhoods and the quality of life for residents.

Promote healthy lifestyles
The design of homes influences the lives of the people that live in them. People should be able to live sustainably and healthily without compromise.

Create characterful neighbourhoods

Trafford has a wealth of existing housing stock which creates characterful areas with charm and local distinctivenessThe positive features of a place and its communities which contribute to its special character and sense of place. More. New housing should respect and reinforce that characterCharacter includes all of the elements that go to make a place, how it looks and feels, its geography and landscape, its noises and smells, activity, people and businesses. This character should be understood as a starting point for all development. Character can be understood at three levels; the area type in which the site sits, its surroundings and the features of the site. More and create new areas of distinction.

Multi-Functional Homes
Homes should be adaptable to changing needs and lifestyle choices. Good levels of indoor and outdoor space will allow occupants the flexibility to grow and make use of their homes for longer.