Cheltenham Road

This new-build infill dwelling occupies one of Bristol's characteristically tight urban plots, where the constraints of the site were as much a design driver as the brief itself. Hemmed in by existing properties and with limited sky exposure, the project demanded a rigorous approach to massing, orientation, and daylighting from the outset.

The result is a spacious three-bedroom home that punches well above its footprint. The façade draws on the texture and rhythm of the surrounding mews character — picking up on local material cues and scale - while a carefully detailed system of privacy screens allows generous glazing without compromising the amenity of neighbouring properties. Light and visibility were threaded through the scheme deliberately, not as afterthought.

The proximity to adjoining rear properties meant that a shadow impact assessment was central to the planning case, demonstrating acceptable daylight and sunlight conditions across the critical hours. The assessment gave confidence to both the design team and the local authority that the scheme would sit comfortably within its context without adverse effect on neighbours.

The application was submitted to Bristol City Council and granted approval within eight weeks, with no amendments requested - a reflection of the thoroughness of the pre-application design process and the quality of the submission package.

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