Robert Adam Architects recently received planning permission to replace ‘Pennyfarthing,’ in Esher Park Avenue, Surrey with a new residential development. The Avenue is comprised of large detached 20th century properties with classical references, and a small number of Arts and Crafts style properties. However, the existing Pennyfarthing building is a low-lying single dwelling dating from the 1960s, with little architectural merit or presence. Robert Adam Architects were therefore employed by Cadogan Ltd to replace the property with a building more suited to the character of the surrounding area.

The new building is a distinctive classical villa, comprising ten high specification apartments and is similar in quality, mass and scale to the surrounding buildings. The design takes inspiration from Regency houses such as those by Sir John Soane and Sir John Nash, and features details found locally, such as double height porticos, Greek Ionic columns and shallow pitched roofs with tight eaves. The building mass is broken up into six pavilions with inset private balconies in-between, ensuring that the structure retains a very human scale. The design uses local materials such as buff brick, alongside stone for dressings and columns, and timber sash windows with traditional Georgian panes. The gardens are to be carefully landscaped.

The villa is a serious and literate Classical design that evokes the quality and elegance of Esher Park Avenue. Sitting more appropriately on the site, and making better use of the space than the existing property, the new building will provide valuable sustainable housing within walking distance of the town centre.