‍Project Background

When Enza Architects’ clients approached us, they were navigating a complex planning challenge. Their Essex site already held permission for a barn conversion under Class Q rights, but they dreamed of replacing the existing structure entirely with a bespoke black barn-style home. The design—a sleek, low-volume interpretation of rural vernacular—faced unexpected resistance from planners concerned about visibility from a well-used public footpath bordering the property.

‍The Visualisation Challenge

Our brief required balancing two seemingly contradictory needs:

• Demonstrating the design quality of this forever home
• Proving its discretion through accurate visibility studies

Working closely with Enza Architects and Axiom Planning Consultants, we developed a targeted visual strategy focused entirely on the footpath relationship.

‍Site Analysis & Photography
We visited the site to:

• Identify the two most sensitive viewpoints along the public right of way
• Capture baseline photographs showing the existing sightlines
• Document seasonal vegetation that would inform our screening proposals

‍For each viewpoint, we created:

• Existing Condition Views
  
  • Showing the bare site with minimal screening
  • Establishing the baseline visibility
• Proposed Solution Views
  
  • Modeling the new dwelling with its matte black cladding
  • Incorporating the planned boundary treatments:
  • Adjusting seasonal foliage to show ‘worst-case’ winter screening

‍Material Sensitivity
We paid particular attention to:

• The black timber’s discreet finish
• Window designed to minimize light pollution with specially designed louvred cladding
• Roof materials that would absorb rather than reflect light

‍Final Outcome

After a prolonged and frustrating planning process, the consent was finally granted. For us at Wizard Vizuals, being able to provide clear, objective visuals that cut through the debate proved particularly rewarding—helping transform what should have been a straightforward approval into the clients’ hard-won forever home.

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