Project Information:

The inspiration for this proposal was drawn from the Feng Shui style, of balance and harmony. We materialised this by creating a well balanced floor plan that sees the user enter the dwelling through a recessed entrance at the north of the site. The user is drawn into the entrance lobby from which the boots/ wash room prepares them before entering the dramatic double height atrium that connects to the rest of the house. This notion of balance is further expressed through the dual material palette of timber cladding and red brick, the latter of which helps to draw the proposal into its surrounding context.

The proposal is 2 storeys with tall internal ceiling heights of 2.5—3m and features 6 ensuite bedrooms including a large master bedroom. On the ground floor a generous open plan living/dinning space provides panoramic views to the garden via a vast glass wall that stretches across the entire space. This living/ dining space is partitioned from the kitchen by transparent concertina folding doors. On the first floor a terrace is accessible from two of the bedrooms. This terrace doubles as a solar shade canopy for the south facing glass wall on the ground floor, helping to block out unwanted direct sun.

The proposal is designed with passive and fabric first principles that help to achieve a net zero carbon build and an Energy Efficiency rating of 102. We have taken numerous measures to ensure this target is met, including appropriate orientation, an efficient building form, renewable technologies, high levels of insulation, locally sourced materials, and a landscaping scheme that delivers a high biodiversity net gain.