construction deviates from architect's blueprint, leaving front door suspended in mid-air at home facade
In the heart of Manchester, a six-bedroom detached home, built by PHA architects, has become a subject of intrigue and debate on social media platforms, particularly Twitter. Planning permission for the property was granted back in June 2020, but its unique design has left many scratching their heads.
Originally, the architectural plans for the home included a ramp solution, designed to provide accessibility, with a gradual incline replacing stairs for ease of movement. However, the home was left without access to its front door after builders abandoned work on the project for almost a year. It wasn't until a year after the build was completed that metal ramps were installed.
The front door, a metre-high off the ground, has attracted attention from passers-by due to its elevated position. One Twitter user commented that the front door's design is a top safety feature, potentially keeping everyone out. Another user posted a sarcastic comment about the front door being halfway up the house with no steps. Yet, it remains unclear why the architectural plans did not take the need for an elevated front door into account during the design phase of the build.
The home sits on an uneven site with the land sloping towards the rear of the property. As a result, the front of the home needed to be raised to make the home level. The architectural plans did not specify the design of the ramp or steps for the front door, leaving the developers with the task of finding a solution post-construction.
One user questioned why the steps to the door were not completed during the same build time as the rest of the home. Another stated that the new steps were simply reused from the site hut used by the builders. Homebuilding & Renovating put forward this question to the developers but have yet to receive a response.
The lack of access to the front door has been a point of concern for many, with one Twitter user commenting that it is not a suitable solution for those with mobility issues. The original plans for the home, which aimed to provide accessibility, seem to have been overlooked in the final execution.
Despite the controversy, the home has become a talking point in Manchester, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts and opinions. The unique design, while generating a lot of attention, has also sparked a conversation about accessibility in architecture and the importance of considering all users in the design process.
