Two new Passivhaus apartment buildings on an ecologically sensitive site on the edge of Woking, providing eighteen spacious and flexible homes for older people who wish to downsize.

The proposal respects the low density and picturesque quality of the surrounding area and takes design cues from the Victorian house it replaces.

It recognises the woodland setting and orientation of the site as the main opportunities for design and innovation.

Proper dual aspect accommodation is provided with living rooms overlooking the garden and bedrooms facing the trees to the north.

The ecologically sensitive site is located on the northern fringes of Woking adjacent to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area with a large number of mature trees that are subject to a blanket Tree Preservation Order.

The principle for these homes is that they are flexible enough to accommodate the reduction of physical and cognitive mobility of the residents. The main living space is flexible and can be reconfigured.