Hall Grove, Welwyn Garden City

Our design proposal introduces nine new homes, comprising three 2-bedroom bungalows, five 2-bedroom houses, and one 2-bedroom flat located above a new community hall. The development replaces the unused All Saints Church building and a single house previously used by the church. The Diocese of St Albans initiated the project to generate additional income through land development while providing a new community building better suited to local needs. Local developer Rockwell Homes was engaged to optimize the site and make the most of this underutilized space.

The site is located in a residential area of Welwyn Garden City, opposite a row of shops and bordered by roads to the north and south. The southern road is busier, lined with houses, while the rear road is quieter, tree-lined, and sparsely built-up. This distinction informed the design, dividing the site into two distinct zones.

The front section, facing the main road, adopts a more urban character with terraced two-story houses, the community hall, and associated parking. In contrast, the rear of the site is more suburban in nature, retaining existing trees and featuring detached and semi-detached bungalows as well as one-and-a-half-story houses. These are arranged in a more informal, scattered layout. The lower height of the rear properties was initially designed to address concerns about overlooking and overshadowing. However, the inclusion of bungalows has added a valuable housing option, offering suitable homes for wheelchair users and elderly residents seeking independence.

A pedestrian footpath connects the two halves of the site, ensuring convenient access to the community amenities for all residents.

The homes are contemporary in design, with high-quality finishes, ample natural light, and a spacious feel. The material palette draws inspiration from the traditional housing stock of Welwyn Garden City, blending modern aesthetics with contextual sensitivity.

The community hall complements the homes in style and detailing but is distinguished by its grander proportions, a striking brick colonnade, and contrasting brickwork.

The community hall is designed to accommodate a variety of uses by the Diocese, offering a flexible space suitable for meetings, events, and other activities. It includes a kitchen, storage areas, accessible toilets, and office space. The flat above the hall, intended for occupation by the Diocese, has direct private access.