Timekeepers Square
by Buttress Architects for Muse Developments The development is located in the Adelphi/Bexley Square Conservation Area and the primary aim of the site was to
Houses
Elevation and Proportion
Introduction
A well-proportioned elevation will be aesthetically pleasing, bring legibilityThe degree to which a person understands and recognises characteristics about an area or building which help them to navigate around an area, or understand a building. and harmony to the building or series of buildings, and animate the street. Building elevations should not be designed in isolation, rather the design should create a cohesive approach along a street sceneAll spaces and features which form the street environment, including buildings, street furniture, fittings and finishes and green infrastructure and open spaces., thus creating consistency and unity. Overly repetitive street frontages however, should be avoided.
The building elevations help to express the 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. and style of the development and should be designed as a response to the contextThe context includes the immediate surroundings of the site, the neighbourhood in which it sits and the wider setting. The context may include the physical surroundings of topography, movement patterns and infrastructure, built form and uses. An understanding of the context, history and character of an area must influence the siting and design of new development.. The principal building elevation should always face the street with window treatments carefully considered in order to animate the frontage while maintaining privacy and security for the occupants.
Features of housing elevation and proportion
Semi-detached
Terrace
Semi-detached
Terrace
- Elevation influenced by surrounding buildings
- Well proportioned
- A rhythm of elevations is created on the street
- Good size and well positioned windows relevant to the elevation
HEP 1
Surrounding context and rhythm
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
The elevations of new houses must respect the context, achieve appropriate width and height proportions and be coherent so they are aesthetically pleasing and can be easily understood when viewed. The design of houses must also respect the proportion and composition of elevations along a street to create rhythm.
Description
Take design cues from the area when considering the composition of your elevation and roof form. The contextThe context includes the immediate surroundings of the site, the neighbourhood in which it sits and the wider setting. The context may include the physical surroundings of topography, movement patterns and infrastructure, built form and uses. An understanding of the context, history and character of an area must influence the siting and design of new development. of each site is unique and must be continued and referenced in your design. Look at the site context to understand how the elevation of your project will need to replicate or reference that of its neighbours to create a rhythm. Pick up on the spacing between window openings, projected elements or roof 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. to see how that rhythm can be continued.
Well-ordered streets that have a coherent structure are critical parts of creating a sense of placeA sense of place is the unique collection of qualities and characteristics that makes one town or development different to another. It lends meaning or attachment to a development or place, transforming it into a home, a neighbourhood, or a community. A sense of place is also what makes our physical surroundings worth caring about. that people recognise and are proud to call home. Trafford’s places exhibit these qualities, ranging from terraced streets to semi-detached houses and suburban villas.
Trafford’s housing demonstrates simple methods for correct elevation and roof proportions, window size and rhythm along a street and this should be continued in new and infill housing projects. Houses with attractive proportions are visually appealing. Correct proportions are one of the simplest methods for creating well-designed elevations at no extra cost – it just requires design thinking. If it is not always possible in elevation, width and height alone, look at ways to create the balance through projecting elements such as bay windows or using parapet walls to increase the height of the eaves line. Creating coherence and structure in elevations using the basic principles of proportion, articulationArchitectural composition in which elements and parts of the building are expressed logically, distinctly, and consistently. and composition must be evident.
Contrived, incoherent and poorly proportioned elevations (including those that have been designed simply to accommodate a standard internal layout) will not be acceptable.
Coherent structure is an important visual aid that humans use to understand the World they see. People are more visually engaged with a house that has a structure to its elevation compared to one which has a haphazard arrangement of windows and false windows. Traditional houses in all of Trafford’s Places exhibit coherent elevations and this must be continued.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Façade Design Analysis
- Elevations
- Floor Plans
- Street scenes
Examples of elevation and proportion in Trafford
Many Trafford houses have a ratio between windows and walls of 35% providing lots of natural light to internal spaces
Detached house in Sale shows rules of symmetry and vertical portrait proportion of windows
Terraced street in Old Trafford shows rules of symmetry and proportion
Terraced street in Stretford shows how alignment of windows and doors can being order to street.
Browse examples of elevation and proportion
Old Trafford and Stretford
Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme
Altrincham and around
Sale and surrounds
Hale
Bowdon
Old Trafford and Stretford
Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme
Altrincham and around
Sale and surrounds
Hale
Bowdon
HEP 2
Principal elevations
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
The principal elevation, including the building entrance, must face the street. Where corner plots have two public facing elevations, windows should be included on both elevations.
Description
Corner plots and buildings should be carefully considered and afforded special design treatment to positively address and animate all street elevations. Main entrances should be located on the principal public facing elevation. Windows must be included on all public facing elevations unless there is a substantial set back from the street. Internal layouts should be designed accordingly to provide this animation whilst mitigating any privacy or overlooking issues.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Design and Access Statement
- Elevations
- Street scenes
- Floor plans
Examples of public fronting elevations in Trafford
This corner plot house in Bowdon faces both the streets with windows, entrances and facade detail
This corner plot house in Sale faces both streets with numerous windows
This corner plot house in Sale faces both streets with numerous windows
Example of a double fronted elevation on corner plot
The example shows a corner plot where the end building has been designed with two elevations, facing both sides of the street where it sits. This means there are no blank gable ends facing the street and no unsupervised areas as a result. The light spilling out from house ensures the public realmThis is the space between and within buildings that is publicly accessible, including streets, squares, forecourts, parks and open spaces. is well lit and overlooking windows help to make the street feel overlooked and safer.
Principles of public facing elevations
Single public facing elevation
Double public facing elevation
HEP 3
Facade design
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Elevations must incorporate articulation and detail, using the local context as reference.
Description
ArticulationArchitectural composition in which elements and parts of the building are expressed logically, distinctly, and consistently. and detail must be included in designs to provide interest and depth to the façade. This should include brick 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., articulationArchitectural composition in which elements and parts of the building are expressed logically, distinctly, and consistently. around openings, including window and door reveals, which should be influenced by local context and the internal layouts of houses. Designers should avoid flat and featureless facades.
Small set-backs can create variation to the depth and texture of facades.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Elevations
- Street scenes
- Facade design analysis diagrams highlighting the different elements of the façade with reference to local context
HEP 4
Shape and proportion of openings
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Applicants must demonstrate that window and door openings, including fenestration details such as glazing bars, mullions and transoms, are appropriate to, and in proportion with the elevation design.
Description
There are a variety of ways to create the optimum shape and proportion of windows and doors. Many modern architect designed houses demonstrate there can be exceptions to the rules of good proportion but only when designed well and a coherent order is achieved using other design means. Window design should consider the use of 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. such as glazing bars, mullions and transoms. The basic principles as shown below are the simple building blocks to good composition and unless it can be justified why these are not used, they must guide the design process.
Openings that are proportionately shaped and sized against an elevation will look more aesthetically pleasing and are a cost-effective means for achieving well-designed buildings.
Applicants should consider the implications of Building Regulations from the outset.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Design and Access Statement
- Elevations
- Detailed cross sections
Examples of different approaches to shape and proportion of openings
Horizontal proportion
As a general rule, window shapes should reference the shape of the elevation. In this example, the rectangle elevation has rectangular windows.
Vertical proportion
However, there are exceptions to this rule as shown here where vertical proportion window openings are used on a horizontal rectangular elevation.
Basic principles of shape and proportion of openings
Vertical emphasis; Portrait shaped single pane of glass with no window bars
Vertical panes; square windows that create same vertical emphasis using window mullion
Square elevation; windows align with square proportion of the elevation
Rectangle elevation; landscape orientation windows align to rectangular proportions
Basic principles for the coherent structure of elevations
Elevation symmetry
Use symmetry to create order within an elevation or between neighbours
Neighbouring Symmetry formed between two adjoining buildings in a row can create a structure on the street
Internal Symmetry formed within a single elevation of a detached house
Window arrangement
Create order and structure through aligning windows and doors on elevations
Formal variation. There is enough alignment on the facade to bring a sense of order and understanding
Formal. There is a strict order of shapes, proportions and alignments bringing structure and formality.
HEP 5
Window to wall ratio
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
The ratio between window size and wall area on principal elevations must be over 20% unless the applicant can demonstrate that this cannot be achieved due to solar gain / thermal efficiency requirements, or the applicant can demonstrate that a lower ratio can deliver a well-articulated, well-proportioned, balanced and attractive elevation.
Description
The ratio between window size and wall area is calculated by multiplying the width and height to the eaves line of the principal elevation and subtracting the doorway.
Larger windows that are in proportion with the size of elevations will be more aesthetically pleasing and will allow more light to enter the house, improving the amenityThe desirable or useful features of a building or place which support its ongoing use and enjoyment by building occupants, residents, visitors, workers etc. It is usually understood to mean visual and aural amenity. Factors relevant to amenity include the general characteristics of the locality (including the presence of any feature of historic, architectural, cultural or similar interest), daylight, sunlight, outlook, privacy, air quality, effects of wind, odour, noise and vibration. Amenity should be preserved, so potential impacts need to be assessed and managed., health and well-being of occupiers.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Elevations illustrating window to wall ratio proportions
Examples of ratio between windows and wall
Quick calculator
HEP 6
Recessed doors and windows
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Doors, windows and their frames must have a reveal of at least half a brick. Articulate the window surround to give depth and visual interest.
Description
Creating depth and articulationArchitectural composition in which elements and parts of the building are expressed logically, distinctly, and consistently. to facades is a simple and cost-effective method of introducing visual identityThe identity or character of a place comes from the way that buildings, streets and spaces, landscape and infrastructure combine together and how people experience them. and interest. Recessing windows and doors and showing the exposed brickwork in this reveal will create depth and a shadow line. Applicants must set windows and doors back from the elevation of the building and in most cases show the exposed brickwork in this reveal.
Emphasise the window opening by considering the articulationArchitectural composition in which elements and parts of the building are expressed logically, distinctly, and consistently. and detail of the surrounds. Look to the local area for design cues on how this can be achieved. 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. can include alternative colours, materials, textures or brick pointing and bonding. Decorative features and patterns can also be used effectively to provide interest to windows and their surrounds. Aluminium clad reveals should generally be avoided.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Elevations
- Floor plans
- Cross sections
- Facade Design Analysis
HEP 7
Porch and entrance articulation
CODE
Description
Compliance
CODE
Entrances must be clearly articulated and expressed as an integral part of the overall house design.
Description
Trafford’s places display a variety of attractive entrance designs, ranging from recessed arches to integrated porch designs. These help to define the 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. of houses and streets and should be continued.
Simple design solutions such as recessed porches can add 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., depth and expression to a house. Designers should consider how attractive and clearly articulated entrances are integrated into the design of the elevation from the start rather than being an afterthought. Bolt on canopies structures should generally be avoided.
Compliance
Applicants should demonstrate in their submission how this element of the code has been complied with.
Documents required:
- Facade Design Analysis
- Elevations
- Cross sections
Elevation and Proportion Case Studies
Heatherley Wood
by Bellway Homes The project demonstrates how housebuilders can achieve a generous ratio of large windows to walls on forward elevations. As well as a
Home by Home
by MCGONIGLEMCGRATH Architects This project is one of 2 proposed Homes from Home for Clic Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young
The Acres, Timperley
The Acres, Timperley by Trinity Architects (now B2 Architecture Ltd) for LandmarkA building or structure that stands out from its background by virtue of its
Westbrook Villas, Chorlton
Westbrook Villas, Chorlton by Calderpeel Architects for Hillcrest Homes Westbrook Villas, on Edge Lane in Chorlton-Cum-Hardy, is a select development of twelve luxurious new homes
Greenwich Millennium Village South
Greenwich Millennium Village South by Turkington Martin and Jestico + Whiles for GMVL, Taylor Wimpey and Countryside Properties Map Street View Map Street View Masterplan
