Low Meadow

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Low Meadow – Ground Plan
Low Meadow – First Floor Plan

A thoughtfully designed, low energy, 3 bedroom dwelling in the countryside. 

Taking advantage of the principle of a dwelling on the site, this new home replaces a disused cattle barn that had been previously approved for conversion under General Permitted Development, Class Q.

The brief was to provide the client with their forever home, focussing on spaces full of natural light and connection into the open countryside. Home working is a key part of the clients’ lives, which led to the creation of two distinct zones within the house, allowing physical separation of work and home life. The two wings are orientated perpendicular to each other, creating opportunities for uninterrupted views to the east from all the key spaces. Their form refers to typical barn shapes, with an asymmetrical twist. The scale of the house is reduced by the broken form and the height is limited to a storey-and-a-half.

The entrance is located on the west side of the building where it is nestled towards the mature trees and native hedgerows bordering the site. The entrance link creates a formal axis between the living and working wings. The low ceiling of this space contrasts the light and bright vaulted main space that houses the kitchen and dining area. Large vertical windows frame the view, and exposed ceiling rafters add texture to the crisp form. An opening on the first-floor landing overlooks the kitchen, creating connection between the spaces. The low-level horizontal window in the master bedroom provides views out to the landscape from the bed. The simple building forms have been elevated with careful detailing and material choices both externally and internally. The ash cladding, which softens from chocolate to silver in the sun, is arranged in two configurations above and below a datum, that continues around the whole dwelling. Great care was taken by the contractor to deliver the crisp detailing of the cladding. Internally, continuous shadow gaps run around skirtings and over door frames giving the whole house a minimal and clean appearance.

The form of the building gives it a large external surface area, making the thermal performance of the building crucial to its efficient running. All elements of the house meet or exceed the Building Regulations. A GSHP, underfloor heating and MVHR contribute to a sustainable and healthy internal environment. We are delighted that after carrying out a Post Occupancy Evaluation, the home is outperforming expectations and achieves the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge operational energy target.

Overall the project has addressed the clients’ bespoke requirements in imaginative ways, and they remain thrilled with the outcome of the project.

Contractor: Blue Door Development Company

Structural Engineer: Steria Consulting

Bespoke kitchen: Hart & Craftsmen

 

Photographs: Giles McGarry