Illuminations is a sun-informed architecture that unites the importance of natural light to wellbeing and energy efficiency, providing at the same time a unique, day and night aesthetic experience. The design offers all elements for luxurious, comfortable and healthy living for families, anticipating various interior design choices.
The central staircase features a naturally lit, colourful stained glass roof, which provides a visual performance of reflected light from dynamic daylight situations to be enjoyed at every level.
In order to maximise natural light, all habitable rooms have full height windows. Furthermore, when weather permits, the occupants can connect to the outside world and benefit from views and natural ventilation through Juliet balconies or opening terrace doors to bedrooms.
Two levels of lighting are achieved by recessed high power LED downlights and indirect ambient LED cove lighting. A third level of lighting is introduced in the living room and stairwell using decorative feature chandelier options.
All rooms have direct access to the staircase which could, if required now or at a later date, incorporate a lift within the stairwell, making the whole house accessible. Accessibility is further enhanced by automatic movement detection sensors at each landing operating the lighting. Internal doors to bedrooms are fully concealed horizontally sliding doors, maintaining open plan vistas and improving accessibility.
The stairwell roof lantern has automatically adjusted louvres to control the 'stack effect' ventilation system for summer use. A whole house ventilation and heat recovery unit provides heating during winter months (including water heating) and an alternative cooling system during summer.
Water services are arranged centrally, including vertical soil stacks and grey rainwater store and pipework. The close proximity of this riser to the bathrooms and kitchen increases efficiency and accessibility for servicing.
The superstructure uses FutureForm's light gauge steel volumetric system. It is envisaged that the module size of each floor allows the house to be delivered and assembled on site with only four deliveries, complete with: kitchens, tiling, flooring, electrics (including smart energy systems and controls), lighting, ventilation unit, grey water rainwater recycling equipment, insulation, windows and ductwork all factory installed. The elevations are completed using Stonepanel ®, a panelised natural stone product, for the lower three floors and metal panels to the top floor.
The house has been designed to achieve the Lifetime Homes standard and level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
The inspiration for Illuminations was derived from the idea that abundant access to light is essential to beautiful, quality-driven design in order to ensure a desirable place to live.
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