Country House, Devon

This project shows that old structures can be refurbished successfully to become low energy buildings. An existing stone house stood on the site, and was protected by the local authority. Re-using the shell of the building was the first decision that drastically reduced the gross carbon emissions in comparison with most new-build houses. This set the project on a sustainable path, which was adhered to by creating a very well insulated building, built with a continuous vapour barrier to minimize air loss, heated by a ground source heat pump.

The interior of the old house was very poor in design and condition. The spaces were cramped, damp, cold and dark. The complete interior: walls; floors; stairs and finishes was stripped from within the stone shell. A totally new layout was designed, which was much more spatially efficient.

Various lean-to additions were replaced with a single storey contemporary extension, flanked by walls built from stone re-used from demolitions. The simple, modern, half glazed elevation, opened the house to a fantastic rural view for the first time. Low U-value double glazed windows were installed throughout, timber framed and clad with (mostly recycled) aluminum externally, which are maintenance free. Underfloor heating is fitted throughout the house, but has proven to be unnecessary except in the very coldest conditions, such is the airtightness and excellence of the fabric’s insulation.

A constant and detailed dialogue with the client was maintained throughout this project, very much driven by shared technological goals as well as the aesthetic and spatial qualities of the build.