Lion Mews, Biggleswade

Tucked behind the Grade II listed Red Lion pub, Lion Mews was designed as an integral part of a wider scheme to bring new life and activity to this historic market town site. The proposals were comprised of three mews houses and a larger courtyard house at the head of new lane, arranged around a new cobbled approach that sought to reinstate historic density with a sense of intimacy and enclosure.

The architecture adopted a robust palette of brick, stone and finely detailed timber screens, echoing the material character of the surrounding context while introducing an elegantly contrasting contemporary form. The upper floors of our proposed dwellings were carefully planned to respect privacy and avoid overlooking surrounding gardens;essentially, designed to be good and discreet neighbours.

As part of the ensemble of buildings around the restored pub and courtyard, the mews would have contributed to a cohesive and contextually sensitive piece of placemaking. Sadly, due to client funding issues the project foundered at pre-application stage, where we had been making excellent progress with planning officers at Central Bedfordshire Council.