This project involved the redevelopment of an existing brownfield site in Stretford, south Manchester to create two adjoining family homes. These replace a former single storey dwelling on the site that was in a poor state of repair and offered little to the existing streetscape. The new houses are a mirror image of one another and create spacious 4 bedroom homes over 3 levels. Open-plan kitchen/dining/living spaces at the rear overlook private rear gardens with a stepped facade that provides a feature window seat and brick canopy sheltering an outside terrace. The front facade mirrors the gable elevations of neighbouring houses with recessed entrances providing shelter on approach. The front doors are located adjacent one another to encourage neighbourly interactions and connections. Chamfered brick panels and deep window reveals provide depth and shadow across the brickwork. Artform Architects were approached by the client to re-think a previous planning consent on the site and provide a more creative and contemporary solution that better suited the family’s needs and maximised the sites potential. Our proposal was to demolish the existing, out-dated single storey building and replace this with two carefully considered replacement dwellings more suited to the scale of the plot and the typology of the neighbouring properties in this part of Manchester. Working closely with the client, the project provided us with the opportunity to consider how a typical 1930s Mancunian semi-detached house type could be adapted and re-worked to suit modern-day family living. It was important for us to find a solution that would help stitch together the existing street elevation and provide an engaging new building for the infill site. The proposal aims to improve the setting with regards to design, detail and quality and offers a modern alternative to the pastiche or bland family houses so often seen on larger developments. The internals layouts provide well-proportioned accommodation with high levels of natural light that open out to the garden at the rear. It was the intention to create inspiring and comforting spaces throughout the proposal. The architectural response to the site takes reference from the surrounding vernacular. The buff brick modelling to the elevations reflects the form and character of neighbouring houses, where a variety of window sizes, bay windows, dormers, recessed elements and single storey extensions can be found. This contemporary interpretation of the local vernacular helps to ground the scheme into the site whilst providing a distinct identity of its own and an unashamedly modern addition to the Trafford streetscape. Full credit goes to our wonderful client for project managing the development on site and at times single-handedly building out the scheme. We are delighted to see the family now enjoying their new home and the two houses positively contributing the streetscape. Our services ran from initial concept design through to a full planning application, dealing with Trafford council, developing a full technical design and Building Regulations drawings, coordinating with other consultants and providing advise and site visit as needed during construction.