Hindmans Yard

Description

The heart of the new development is a shared garden, designed by the women of OWCH, which forms the main outlook for twenty one of the twenty four new homes. This new garden in accessed directly from the public entrance in Union Street, and overlooked by a large common room, and smaller guest flat come quiet meeting room. The majority of the flats are accessed via a sociable rear courtyard, where laundry, drying space and planted car parking places will ensure constant activity for the outlook of the remaining four flats. All flats have a private terrace or balcony.

Planning History

Hanover, OWCH and the design team had to overcome a number of hurdles to realise a third age cohousing project in this eminently suitable location. Barnet Adult Social Care needed to be convinced that OWCH would themselves, and by example, reduce rather than add to the burden on adult social care. The site had accommodated a school playground and classrooms. Although not big enough to meet DES guidance for a state primary school, the lack of demand for free school use had to be demonstrated as the same standards do not apply in that instance. Finally, the conservation area location led to the adoption of forms and elevational treatments based on neighbouring precedents.