Taking a previously consented planning permission for alteration and extension of an interwar detached house sitting in a 5-acre plot as a starting point, Cannon Clarke Architects have proposed a masterplan for residential development of the site as a whole. The client’s brief, as defined, was for a luxury residential development of the main house, proposals for a new pool-house pavilion - adjacent to an existing external swimming pool, orangery, quadruple garage, underground swimming pool and spa complex and proposals for extensive re-landscaping to the remainder of the plot. Whilst the previously consented scheme sets the parameters and overall massing of the development of the house itself - much increased from the original dwelling, internal re-planning and organisation of spaces was required to fulfil the client’s aspirations. Central to this was a proposal for a ‘grand’ entrance and ‘formal’ staircase, lacking in the previous designer’s iteration. Ground floor accommodation comprises of living and dining spaces, formal and informal, the latter proposed in a single open plan extension to the rear of the property where the kitchen is also located. As part of the wider project Cannon Clarke Architects were engaged for the design of an underground swimming pool and spar complex to be access via a secret stair from within the main house. The complex includes provision for: - a 17.5m long, 2 lane swimming pool with changing, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, home cinema, wine store, patio lounge lobby, an a ‘drive-in’ 4 berth garage. The subterranean nature of the development, on the steeply sloping site, meant that the first basement level could open out to the garden at the rear and the lounge/lobby area interfaces with a secluded patio area nestled against an almond stone curved retaining wall with dressed stone arch reveals to the glazed openings. The only other manifestation of the complex being the access ramp for the garage and rooflights and windows allowing natural daylight into the spaces below and glimpses to the sky or the landscape beyond. Following a previous commission for the extensive redesign and extension of the host dwelling, the client commissioned the master planning of the remainder of their 5-acre site in Black Notley, Braintree, with a brief that includes a variety of outbuildings and cohesive landscaping works. The client’s requirements included a 4-space garage, an external pool pavilion, an orangery and cart-lodge as well as the more extensive luxurious subterranean pool and spa complex. The placement of the outbuildings forms zones to create opportunities to allow for different treatments to the plot creating sub-spaces within the landscape. The treatment of the landscape itself ranges from more formal arrangements to informal to encourage inside/outside movement and celebrate the expansive countryside views. Cannon Clarke Architects proposed a suite of buildings, which whilst individual in functional requirements, share an overall aesthetic. Planning Consents were obtained on a building-by-building basis and works on site have commenced in phases. Cannon Clarke Architects worked proactively with Braintree District Council to obtain planning permission. Extensively reduced visual barriers were formed to maximise focus out to the surrounding landscape. The pool house pavilion provides functional use for the outdoor pool such as plant and changing rooms but also provides space for a gym and a garden-room complete with bar.