Making the most of a small plot

Gemma Design is a structural engineering company that believes in staying ahead of the game; we embrace technology advancements, stay informed of the trends in commercial and home building and tackle the increasing issue of maximising the potential of small building plots. We ensure we know how the industry is changing and the demands that are put upon it.

One of those demands is on land provision to satisfy the desire to build new homes, not for the developers, but for the family. This increased demand on self-build plots makes it a necessity to exercise our ingenuity and innovation for making the most of a small plot of land. With land at an absolute premium right now and with the Government making self-build a dream come true for many, it falls to the expertise of the engineer and architect to make sure a small plot becomes a large family home.

One self-builder from Cornwall, Max Marshall, saw the answer in an Eco-Hubb. Not only is it fully sustainable, it cost a minimal £15,000 and fit in his parents back garden. A diverse option for an office, gym, rented living accommodation or just some extra space that doesn’t cost the earth.

How Gemma Design delivered on small plots

Gemma Designs’ engineers are increasingly working with unusually shaped plots, discovering that embracing height opportunities as well as unique shapes lead to innovative design and engineering solutions.

One such example of problem solving can be seen in Rookery Cottage.

What was a two-storey cottage in Old Headington is now a four-storey semi-detached town house, allowing for additional space for the occupants and providing investment for additional income. Planning issues with height restrictions were overcome by embracing the existing 40 meter fall from front to back of the plot and digging down into the ground. The site was tight, owing to existing trees both within and external to the site, but as you can see from the schematic, design is all important in preservation.

Cumnor Hill Flats

With the flats at Cumnor Hill in Oxford, there was very little structural floor depth to make the irregular wall layout work. All floors compensate for this owing to the exceptional 150mm thickness.

A large retaining wall was used to create the volume of space required here, which was strictly limited, and the ingenuity of the engineers played an integral part of the success of this project with the innovative and clever designs.

In addition to space limitations the local badger population presented a protection issue, which was solved by a new culvert, and sustainable drainage solutions were provided with a permeable paved car park, providing essential parking areas and even more essential flood prevention.

For ingenious and innovative design for your next self-build project, contact Gemma Design's engineer team on 01993 705522.