Squirrels Leap

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Smeed Dean London Stock — © Wienerberger Ltd

Case Study

Squirrel's Leap

With the Squirrel’s Leap project, the owners’ intention was to demolish the 60-year-old existing property and build a new, replacement dwelling slightly behind the existing footprint using Wienerbergers' Smeed Dean London Stock bricks.

The proposal was for a Georgian-style home constructed with high quality materials and architectural detailing. The existing structure which was some 60 years old had no specific architectural characteristics that justified its retention.

The aim was to create an executive house in a multi stock buff brick which, like the many focal points in nearby Romsey, contrasted with the local multi red stock bricks and acted as both a focal point and a “book-end” to the Straight Mile. This philosophy was embraced by planning officers, as was the introduction of curved walls and pillars at the site entrance. The new site entrance gives only a partial view of the front elevation which then provides increased drama the closer to the dwelling one travels up the driveway.

Buff colour brick used on this Georgian-Style Home

Wienerberger Smeed Dean London Stock bricks used for the facade of this home

Close up of the wall to show the detail and texture of the Wienerberger Smeed Dean London Stock bricks

Big grand home with drive way leading up to pillars and large front entrance

Wienerberger Smeed Dean London Stock bricks were chosen to complement classic Georgian timber sliding sash windows framed by reconstituted ornate stone surrounds.

The front elevation is a partially enclosed courtyard with a formal stepped portico entrance in front of timber painted double doors, all only seen when getting past the retained mature magnolia and camellia shrubs. The focal point of the gabled front is enhanced by the parapet wall detail with a series of step-backs emphasising the main entrance. Subtle single brick quoins are an understated but noticeable design feature.