New contemporary and energy efficient dwelling in Longworth
A’Bear & Ball Architects LLP has been working on the design of a new three/four-bedroom detached house in a picturesque part of Longworth, Oxfordshire. The proposals were submitted in a full planning application to the Vale of White Horse, and the team recently obtained planning permission for this project.
The project is adjacent to a house Rob A’Bear, co-founder and partner of A’Bear & Ball Architects, designed 12 years ago with the same client. With this home, the client was looking for a contextually driven contemporary architectural design. The brief also included the need to follow “Lifetime Homes” layout principles and low energy design principles.
As lead architect, A’Bear & Ball Architects has worked closely with our client and a number of supporting consultants, including Mike Gilbert Planning, Land and Landscape Management Ltd and Ecology by Design, to develop the design proposals.
Contemporary design
Considering its sensitive location in the Conservation Area and with two Listed Buildings nearby, we focused on creating a high-quality design that referenced the traditional character of the neighbouring area whilst incorporating a sensitive contemporary language.
The design includes a single storey and one-and-a-half storey element, providing an excellent modern home. With the building’s careful orientation on the site, the living spaces open out through large glazed openings onto the south-facing garden. The strategic orientation also takes advantage of the attractive surroundings with each bedroom boasting scenic views.
The home will be built of Cotswold stone, timber boarding and plain clay tiles, and the materials will be carefully accented to break the form down and create an aesthetically pleasing composition. Additionally, powder coated aluminium windows and external doors ensure the overall aesthetic is clean, simple and crisply detailed.
Energy efficient layout
As creating an energy efficient design was important to the client, the layout utilises thick external walls that are highly insulated in excess of Building Regulation requirements. The carefully controlled use of high-performance double glazing will ensure minimal heat loss and will provide high levels of natural daylight in the dwelling. This will reduce the need for artificial lighting and associated electricity consumption.
Through the use of thick ultra-efficient insulated walls and efficient floor plans, the home is proposed to be ultra-low energy. This will reduce energy demand and consequently reduce running costs.
With planning permission being granted recently on this project, we look forward to seeing the development of this contemporary, energy efficient house progress further in due course.
A’Bear & Ball Architects LLP specialises in creating contemporary, energy efficient residential designs. Find out more about how low energy design is central to our design thinking.
