Small is Beautiful

Our early research led us to conclude that the key to maximising the potential of prime London sites, in order to increase financial viability, was to minimise the frontage of the flats.

The challenge was to achieve a sense of generosity, space and light within these tight spatial constraints. We set out to incorporate separate living and sleeping rooms within a frontage which would be considered wide enough for one room only in a conventional layout. Importantly, we have succeeded in achieving separate windows for both these rooms for natural light and ventilation.

It was from the automotive industry that we found our inspiration. The SMART car, with its many incarnations on the same basic chassis, exemplifies how a compact and well designed product can offer choice, style and elegance.

The plan depth of the one-bedroom flat is the common ‘chassis’ for the PRP range, which includes a studio, a two-bedroom flat and a two-bedroom duplex, amongst others. We have explored a number of block lay-outs to suit different contexts and have developed strategies and options for creating different massing and elevation treatments. Specification and colour for external materials and internal fittings and finishes provide further scope for variety and choice.

The design concept has evolved around basic principles that include: Narrow frontage to maximise use of limited land to increase affordability Deep plan to maximise space availability per given frontage Integral balcony for every flat Flexible internal lay-out to create the feeling of space Simple, attractive, integrated storage and furniture to maximise use of space Stylish and robust finishes

Sustainability

With environmental sustainability arguably one of the greatest concerns currently, it was imperative that our proposals followed a holistic approach to the use of energy. The design therefore focuses on minimising the use of both embodied energy as well as energy in use. The external envelope is designed to ensure that little or no space heating is required, through measures including triple low E glazing and super- insulated walls, floors and roofs. A communal approach to heating would lead to low energy bills due to increased boiler efficiency and economies of scale while at the same time leaving scope for future proofing. At key stages during the lifetime of the building the central plant can easily be changed, without disruption to the rest of the accommodation, to take advantage of the most sustainable sources of energy available at the time. The design incorporates the requirements of the GLA for 10% renewable energy and would consider bio fuels, solar thermal panels, micro turbines and photovoltaic panels.

MMC

The modular nature of the design provides great scope for a range of modern methods of construction. The proposals include the use of bathroom pods and a specially designed range of kitchens. The building frame will be a proprietary light gauge steel system for buildings up to six storeys high. Concrete or a mix of concrete and steel frames will be used for taller buildings. The elevations will use off side manufactured panels and other standard window and door components, requiring no or minimal wet trades.

Making effective use of space

Compact modular shower rooms, kitchens and built-in furniture, specifically developed for the projects, will increase the apparent sense of generosity by using the available space very efficiently. Planning how small spaces can and should be used is critical to creating a successful compact flat. There is no reason why a small space can’t be attractive, and above all, useable and enjoyable.

Cost and affordability

We have been able to demonstrate that flat blocks based on our compact one-bedroom apartment can generate up to about 40% more units on a given site than conventional one-bedroom flats. This increase in yield is expected to contribute to reducing the cost per unit of the development. Standardisation would also lead to substantial cost savings through economy of scale and favourable deals with established supply chains, while maintaining a high quality of style and finishes. NHH is therefore confident that they can offer a highly desirable product to their target client group at an affordable price well below the market value of an equivalent product.

Sites and locations

The Notting Hill compact flat is designed to offer young first time buyers a fashionable and modern flat in vibrant central locations. NHH commissioned market research to assess the trade off between many issues including space standards, commuting time, access to shops, service, night life, parks, gardens and balconies. It concludes that good access to public transport and services is particularly vital to the viability of the proposals. The residents need to have easy access to transport links, which makes our flat concept a particularly viable design – it can be built above other uses including retail units and offices in accessible city centres and complements the more conventional flat types currently developed in these locations. It can also be built alongside family flats and duplexes, which will help contribute towards the vision of creating successful, mixed sustainable communities.