The original house was very dark, poorly insulated and badly oriented.
The proposed design is a synthesis of unusual site conditions and brief requirements.
South was steeply uphill, to the north a wall of trees, to the north-east a key view.
We separated cars from the playing areas, allowed passive supervision of play area, optimum orientation to south for living areas and a design that could suit low budget, self-build and energy efficiency.
The Planners wanted the house low down the slope, the family wanted the living room to get a view of the Sugar Loaf (from high up the slope) – our design met both conditions.
Design solution: the aesthetic of simple volumes, barrel vaults and short spans to define space between a bedroom (and play) wing to rear and living (kitchen, office & arrival) wing to front. Arrival, office and cars are at lower ground level, keeping the rest of the site car and work free!
Several garden spaces are clearly defined by the car port, two wings and the existing barn (now an artist’s studio).