Wing Houses
The Wing House was first introduced in the second phase of Mytchett Heath in 1998. For some years ECA purchasers had requested some larger properties. The first of these were the large maisonettes built at
Framers Court, Lane End, which were integrated into the second level of the apartment block. These were - and still are – extremely popular. However they were only applicable to a site on two or more levels. What was needed was a design that could easily be incorporated into a standard courtyard.
Giles Downes, of Sidell Gibson, who had worked on ECA projects since they began and who received a CBE for his magnificent restoration work to the roof of St. George’s Hall following the fire at Windsor Castle in 1992, came up with the solution - now known as the “wing house”. This was a most interesting and flexible design. It allowed two wing houses to stand like book ends, with a standard cottage between, giving the impression of a manor house with two wings – or a number of variations on this theme. It could also, if appropriate, incorporate an integral garage.
Internally the “wing house” provided the Association with the size of rooms, flexibility space and design that was required. A hallway, off which was a cloakroom and cloak cupboard, led into a large L shaped open plan room, (which could be sub divided into a separate drawing and dining room if preferred), off which were a large kitchen dining room, a double bedroom, a conservatory and a delightful patio garden.
A staircase from the hall led into a pleasant open plan study/sitting room/third bedroom (as required) on the first floor, beyond which were a large bathroom and large and light double bedroom.
This really spacious house allowed for downstairs living as, when and if required: with ample space for living in staff. It also allowed for a younger retired couple to live in the house, together with their elderly parent, in the downstairs bedroom – safe in the knowledge that ECA’s Courtyard Managers would be there to keep an eye and help, should an emergency occur whilst they were away.