Sustainable from the concrete piles re-used as pipework for bore-hole heating to its recycled plastic cladding tiles, this house has a faceted profile that gives it a futuristic look but still recalls the solidity of the stone cottages that inspired it. A splash of colour is added by cladding panels manufactured from recycled plastic.

Design

Viewed from the street, the homes slope dramatically from the roof line to a car port, creating what the architect calls “wow” factor. It would be built from timber cassettes covered in a thick layer of insulation, whcih is in turn overlaid with the plastic cladding panels that give the street facade its distinctive looks. On the southern side, the house’s three storeys are more easily “read”. The ground floor, where the main living accommodation is found, leads onto a small garden. Upstairs, first floor bedrooms gives onto a generous balcony. A fully-glazed top-floor bedroom combines daylighting and views with complete privacy. The roof would be built with the necessary fittings for wind turbines and photovoltaic panels if the owner should choose to install them at a later date.

Technical features

Underfloor heating powered by a ground source heat pump.
A roof cowl helps with ventilation in summer, by capturing the prevailing south westerly breeze to draw warm air through the house and vent it at roof level.
Harvested rainwater provides irrigation for plants and car-washing.

Innovations

A concealed gutter detail allows the roof to flow seamlessly into the facade, contributing to the house’s striking looks.

© British Homes Awards |  Site design: LW design