The brief here was challenging as the plot is situated within the metropolitan green belt and plot land designated area in Billericay. Our client required a replacement dwelling in lieu of their dilapidated bungalow for their years of retirement. The plot was surrounded by trees and our clients desired a contemporary form that was able to complement and connect to its wild habitat.
The concept of private and guest blocks i.e., the south private block consisting of ground floor lounge and first floor master bedroom, the north guest block consisting of the ground floor kitchen and first floor 2 No. guest bedrooms. These are separated via the circulation and mixed-use areas i.e., ground floor hallway and dining areas and the first-floor landing void and main bathroom. The design allows garden views into the dense woodland.
The North elevation provides minimal openings to conserve energy into the fabric of the building and allows access from the utility room at ground floor level.
The East elevation has been designed with the main concept to provide privacy to the adjacent neighbour with the views from and into the proposed dwelling. The design demonstrates this by the slot windows both vertical and horizontal providing limited overlooking and does not cause any harm to the neighbours’ privacy or overlooking of their amenity space.
The South elevation provides a stunning / striking façade that shows off the form of the dwelling and highlights the environmental ideas of a wood burner flu fixed externally. It provides a transition from the slot window design to the East elevation and the larger glass units to the West (garden) elevation.
The West elevation provides the interaction with the external spaces and garden, thus blurring the boundaries between the internal and external spaces. This also connects to a raised deck area that allows the ground floor of the house to create an external dining and relaxation space.
Materials
As part of the sustainable approach to the new dwelling, a render finish, with timber cladding gives the house a crisp, clean look whilst being complimented by the zinc cladding on the pod wings. Low embodied energy of the timber and zinc can be recycled at the end of life. A high specification glazing is used to the areas that overlook the garden to make the most of the views and reduce the heat gain.
Residential New Build
