The designers behind this home set out to create an innovative and fluid structure capable of providing a home for life.
Internal flexibility has been extended into the envelope so that a single unit can create a varied and flexible neighbourhood, incorporating terraced, semi and detached solutions to meet the exact social needs of a community.
By breaking a home into its fixed and fluid elements, its spatial potential can be unlocked. The stair core forms the trunk of the design with adaptable spaces branching out from this fixed element. Spaces are split using internal partitions that can be changed according to user requirements, a solution that gives maximum flexibility.
The intelligent envelope incorporates technologies that promote sustainability and give passive means of control. The internal mass of the home creates a sink for storing solar gain that can be applied back to heat internal spaces. A double skin facade and controllable vents allow passive ventilation through convection. The house’s ‘trunk’ core is a natural stack that draws cool air through the home.
A rooftop solar collector provides hot water to all areas of the house, although this can be changed to photovoltaic panels if the location supports it. There are also openable louvres for solar shading and a roof top wind cowl to control air transfer inside the house.
Materials used to build the house are chosen for their ability to optimise the sustainability of the house and encourage passive measures of control. Sustainable Hempcrete is chosen for the main structure, due to its excellent thermal mass. Screw piles and floating ground floor concrete slabs lessen the impact of ground works and therefore safeguard the immediate environment and habitats. Triple glazing prevents heat loss and improves efficiency. Chestnut cladding from a sustainable source is used in this instance, but a local cladding material could be used.
All internal partitions and walls are highly insulated to reduce heat loss. The house is topped by a green roof which creates a habitat for flora and fauna.

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