Joseph Thurrott Architects

Project status:  Building Warrant stage

 

Design summary:

 

The proposal is to replace an existing end-terrace house with a new end-terrace house designed and built to a zero-carbon, passive house standard. The existing accommodation comprises a basement level, ground floor, first floor and attic.  The new house will comprise the same floor levels with the addition of an occupied attic level. Additional floor area on all levels will be achievd by increasing the width of the new house to the full extent of the property boundary.  The floor area of the basement and ground floor level will also be increased by means of an extension to the rear.  The exisitng sunken garden will be re-landscaped with a new stone boundry retaining wall. 

 

In order to integrate the new house within the exsitng block of terraced houses, the following design strategies were considered.  The level of the existing ridge which runs along the entire length of the terraced block will be preserved. Adequate head height within the attic space of the new house will be achieved through the use of a shed dormer. The datum of the black painted metal eaves gutter and associated fascia board will be maintained in the new house by extending the aforementuoned across the street elevation, around the north side elevation and around the rear south elevation to tie back to the exisitng neighbouring house.  The compostion of the street elevation below the eaves line has been kept simple and balanced with generously proportioned window openings comprising fixed, triple-glazed Passive-rated windows with opaque, insulated opening side lights to facilitate natural ventilation.  The material strategy for the external envelope is a mixture of contemporary and traditional elements.  The elevations will be cement rendered as per the neighbouring houses with a slate coloured metal standing seam roof.  The intention is to match the pitch, ridge height and colour of the neighbouring roof whilst utilising the properties of the zinc to create crisp, long-lasting flashing detailing, particularly for the dormers.  There is a clear distinction between the north east facing street elevation and the south west facing garden elevation.  In order to take advantage of passive solar gain, the south of the house has been opened up to the maximum permissable levels.  

 

To achieve the Zero-Carbon target, in addition to the detailing of the external envelope, a roof mounted PVC array has been specified along  with a high efficiency wood burning stove and MVHR system.