TA 1WN stands for Technology at One With Nature, and this design is so-called because it skilfully uses technology to achieve harmony with the environment. The site-constructed ground floor level of the house is built of lime-hemp concrete, finished externally in lime render, and acts as a heat sink. This construction can adapt to slopes and differing site conditions, and forms a plinth on which offsite components can be assembled.

The ground floor level houses three bedrooms and a bathroom, and can also accommodate a home office. A generously proportioned curved stair leads to the living areas. This unconventional but modular stair type has a smaller footprint than straight stairs, facilitating 2700mm clear ceiling heights. The stairway’s central column also doubles as a supply pipe leading to a rainwater harvest tank.

The first and second floors of the house are constructed from structural insulated panels The first floor opens onto a kitchen, dining area and a dramatic double height living room, together with terraces. An inverted gable roof also adds height to the master bedroom on the second floor. This roof can have solar panels on either of its equal wings.

For maximum flexibility, the house has been designed for expansion and contraction. To grow the living space, the second floor is simply extended across the double height living room. To contract it, the top floor is removed - but it is not just demolished. The surplus accommodation can be sold to a neighbour or re-sold to its developer for re-use elsewhere.

This design can stand alone, be developed as a terrace or the designer proposes a mews-style arrangement of homes around a Home Zone. Rear gardens are bordered on one side by a structure that integrates recycling bins, a composting centre, secure bicycle storage and a garden shed.

The materials specification for the design uses the BRE Green Guide to Housing Specification, and aims for the highest achievable A rating. The house includes photovoltaic and solar panel technologies, a condensing boiler, mechanical ventilation heat recovery and underfloor heating.

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