This photo is of the team who understand the technical data:
Claire, Andy & Steve
Following this photo, we walked a hundred yards up the road to the pub where they gave us use of a table and cups of coffee.
We spread out topographical data, information from the Environment Agency, provisional drawings and Claire's calculator. She tapped on this every time a change was mentioned and came up with finished levels.
Visitors will be glad to know that we will build above the level calculated by the Environment Agency as a one-in-a-millenium flood risk (even factoring in climate change).
From a design point of view we have to decide on how to make sure that front access is level, and that planners will like the finished height of the building.
This plot has more slopes than Chamonix: it slopes along the High Street, it slopes up towards the river then down. Claire & Steve talked about how much earth will have to be moved, and where, to accomodate different designs.
We are re-thinking our "upside-down" house: Part M of building regulations says that we must have wheelchair access to the main living floor of the building, which would mean building up a lot - expensive and unsightly.
If we were to have the ground floor as our main living area, it remains a pleasant view, and means we can walk out directly in to the garden.
Back to the drawing board! Actually, it's the Grand Designs CAD package.
Luckily we are in no hurry.
