Ever wondered what goes into the process of crafting our luxury homes? At Altin Homes, we collaborate closely with Barnes Walker, the multi-award-winning landscape architecture practice, to bring our designs to life.
Barnes Walker has worked on all of our developments, including The Place, which won Best House of the Year and Best Housing Development in the What House? Awards, as well as a range of individual houses and our most ambitious project to date, Waterbank. With a detailed understanding of commercial realities and planning opportunities, Barnes Walker’s wealth of site-based knowledge and ability to identify innovative solutions make them the perfect partner for us to help see projects through from initial sketch design to the realisation of stunning external spaces.
We sat down with Colin Barnes, managing director at Barnes Walker, to discuss the firm’s approach to landscaping when working on Altin Homes projects and new trends in the industry.
How did the process begin at Waterbank?
Once Waterbank received planning permission, Altin Homes came to us to begin working on the project. To start, we re-organised the placement of the buildings and developed a suitable layout for the six plots. Working with Calderpeel Architects, we fine-tuned the layout of Waterbank and created a detailed design. Throughout the project, we were involved in site organisation, strategic planning and both soft and hard construction work.
Are you still involved in the project now?
Yes, we are still very involved as we are going to work with each individual homeowner at Waterbank to take their garden to the next level. For instance, as plot four was the first home to sell, we are currently working with the owners to further develop their garden so that it perfectly fits their vision.
We are also advising the homeowners on a maintenance strategy and are looking to hire a concierge gardener who will work at Waterbank full-time. This concierge gardener will work on all six plots and the pond, which adds value and an extra special aspect to the development.
What approach do you take to Altin Homes projects?
We work closely with Altin Homes to offer advice on all levels. The Altin team shares the layout of the rooms with us so we know how the house relates to the plot and vice versa, so we can ensure there is a seamless flow through every aspect of the design.
At Barnes Walker, we also advise on drainage systems on the housing sites. Waterbank was challenging in regard to this, as we couldn’t put the drainage at the entrance due to the sloping nature of the ground. We therefore had to adapt and engineered a smart water drainage system at the bottom of the site to ensure a controlled, slow release of water, achieving sustainable urban drainage.
How would you describe Altin Homes’ architectural style?
Altin Homes is very individualistic as a developer and the team is not afraid to create unique-looking houses. Waterbank is definitely quite contemporary in its aesthetic, which sets it apart from many other housing developments.
How does Barnes Walker ensure environmental responsibility?
We are committed to green and environmental considerations, with biodiversity being incredibly important to our company. On Altin Homes’ sites, particularly Waterbank, we use a naturalistic approach to planting to boost biodiversity and give back to nature. Our focus on enhancing natural habitats underpins our design process to make sure our environment is protected. We always want to create stylish sites that are considerate of the surrounding nature.
What would you say are the current architectural trends for homes?
There is no single look for a house, as it is all dependent on taste and lifestyle. At the moment, open-plan living is very popular which is a significant shift from ten to fifteen years ago. Open-plan living is now a staple in luxury homes to allow more light in and really expand the use of space.
Smart houses are beginning to appear more as technology advances, which is something that Altin Homes incorporates in its projects. There is a shift away from switches for all electrical components in the home and everything is becoming more integrated. I expect to see more of this in the future.
Check out some of the homes we have worked on Barnes Walker in our portfolio.