Artist's Studio This bespoke property is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and replaced an outdated bungalow on a stunning coastal site.Jonathan Rhind Architects were employed to provide concept designs to replace the ad hoc bungalow that underutilised the stunning position and views and obtained Planning Permission, full detailed design, and construction inspections.The design split and stepped living and sleeping accommodation down the sloping site to reduce the overall massing and visual impact of the dwelling when viewed from the nearby AONB coastal path.An internal central storage spine wall provides storage to visually de-clutter spaces. External cladding materials of zinc, stonework and slate hanging were selected to withstand the hostile coastal environment and minimise future maintenance and redecoration demands. Constraints and challenges included: Demolition and new build within AONB and North Devon Biosphere Visibility from the coast path and in the context of Grade I listed church nearby Issues during demolition of asbestos, ecology, archaeology Construction challenges of covid, materials supply, and inclement coastal weather. One of the key elements of the client brief was incorporating high levels of sustainability. Working with the client’s brief, constraints and opportunities of the site, sustainability factors are:Orientation Room positions and large amounts of glazing maximise the stunning coastal views but also solar gains. The extended eaves of a veranda on two sides, shade the interior from the high summer sun keeping the house cool. Insulation High quantity and specification of insulation in the walls, floors, and roofs of the dwelling to retain heat generated. High air tightness of the building envelope to minimize heat loss through air leakage. Renewable energy Solar PV panels – predicted to provide approximately 4,819kWH’s of electricity per year. Air source heat pump – 8.5kW unit for hot water and underfloor heating. Water efficiency A 3000L rainwater harvesting system contributes to requirements for flushing toilets, washing clothes and external taps. Harvesting plus water efficient fittings and appliances means the house uses well below the maximum water usage in new build homes. The house is not built to Passivhaus standards, and yet with careful design incorporating renewable energy sources, the home has achieved an extremely high EPC rating putting it into the highest Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating band. The property far exceeds the building regulations requirements, and the client has a house that is not only environmentally responsible but also cheaper to run. Drone images © Kilbride Roofing Ltdhttps://www.kilbrideroofing.com/
