This proposal makes a considered move away from both the traditional notion of the urban block, and the common contemporary suburban sprawl model of cul-de-sacs. Instead of forming rigid street facades or loosely dispersed private houses, the proposal begins with a series of linear terraces running along the length of each block. These terraces are then rotated almost 45° to run directly east to west to maximise the potential solar gain on their south facades. These strips are cut into shorter sections of varying lengths and the remains are interspersed to create a more open, garden-filled community maximising the potential for social, recreational and agricultural activities to take place between the buildings. Instead of appearing on the roadside as a continuous façade the buildings are nestled within trees, set back from the roadside. This softens the edges of each block and allows the communities to sit comfortably in the landscape and blend into their natural surroundings.
There is no obvious hierarchy between the house types in terms of their location or appearance so the difference between a single bedroom flat and a detached five bedroom house is purely spatial. All houses enjoy direct sunlight to all main living spaces, private gardens, un-obscured views and access to shared facilities such as children's playgrounds, allotments and greenhouses. With the house types mixed-up the community complies of residents of different ages, incomes and social backgrounds - a key part of creating a vibrant self-policing society.
A green transport plan promotes walking cycling and the use of public transport. Pleasant, well lit, tree covered walks and cycle routes passing ponds, clearances and wooded areas provide access from all houses to local transport links, while normal vehicular access is restricted to the perimeter of each block where communal car parking bicycle storage and car pool facilities are located.
