Marshworth:Milton Keynes

'H Shape'

3 or 4 Bedrooms – it is interesting to note that the only design element which differentiated the four bedroom bungalows from the three bedroom versions was a single ‘bridge’ room which moved the two right-hand rear bedrooms backward; and I had presumed was intended to offer a separate dining room – where the three bedroom version had to use one of the bedrooms (or share the main room) for this. I have since learned, from one of the original owners that it was sold as a 'general purpose room', a very advanced concept (for anyone but the professionals for whom the bungalows were designed). To confuse matters further, though, the original architect - supported by the sales flyer - states that this was a playroom for the two children expected to use the bedrooms; an even more adventurous concept!

  This means that the main room was a living/dining room in both cases; as was the leading edge architectural policy at the time! In any case, the main impact of this was to reduce the size of the ‘four bedroom’ garden. The one real benefit offered in return for the higher price of these was, however, that the whole back of their gardens was open to the view of the open space and canal.

  The garden of the three bedroom version, on the other hand faced onto the back wall of the neighour; with only a gate to the open space.

Perhaps dazzled by the vast size of the living room, some current tenants the ‘small size’ of the bedrooms. What they ignore is that, even at that time, the width of these – at 9’ to 9’6” – was standard for new builds in the private sector; as it still is. On the other hand, the 11’ to 13’6” length was significantly longer than standard. Indeed, all four bedrooms are full size double bedrooms, where comparable dwellings usually only provide two double and two single bedrooms. Even so, some of those building on extra bedrooms have gone for wider rooms (up to 13’ wide and 17’ long!).

Stewart Brand makes the point that a plethora of medium (double-bedroom) sized rooms helps buildings develop over the longer term, since such rooms can be adapted to almost any new function. The basic design here, even without additions, passes this test with flying colours.

Send mail to mercerdavids@aol.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 01/26/06