Hill Farm, Foxton

This project consisted of fifteen affordable dwellings for rent located on the site adjacent to Fowlmere Road, Foxton. Foxton is small rural village with a mix of architectural treatments. The older properties feature thatched roofs with timber casement windows, render and timber boarding. The more recent houses have also adapted this style but are simpler in detail. We ensured the development was designed to reflect and complement the local architectural materials and styles.

Architectural

The development includes a mix of two and one and a half storey homes with materials featuring traditional brick and stained feather edge weatherboarding, through colour render and buff facing brickwork with traditional timber casement windows. Roofing finishes include brown concrete tiles and artificial slate. For plots six to nine, we adopted a barn like style with minimal fenestration to the rear to reflect the agricultural heritage of the area. The site is edged with hedgerows and close boarded fencing to provide a boundary maintaining the pattern with the existing houses.

Project Management

Throughout the build our Project Manager conducted weekly or as needed site visits to ensure construction aligned with the approved drawings and NHBC standards. This proactive oversight enabled quick resolution of contractor queries and helped minimise issues at handover, saving time and costs for the client.

Employer's Agent

A partnered contract was used to foster collaboration while giving the client control over schedule and cost. This approach proved successful because the project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

Sustainability

Each home is equipped with air source heat pumps to eliminate reliance on gas or oil heating. All dwellings achieved an EPC rating of Band B exceeding national energy efficiency standards. The homes have high performance insulation, triple glazing, and controlled ventilation to ensure long term sustainability and reduced energy costs. Additional eco-friendly features include compost bins, water butts, rotary clothes dryers to promote sustainable living.

Community

A public consultation was held before construction began to gather feedback from residents. The scheme was well received. Locals recognised the need for affordable housing and appreciating the development’s sensitivity to its context. Residents were kept informed of potentially disruptive activities which resulted in no complaints during the build.