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Residential Work
Overview
We undertake a wide range of residential projects from Kitchen Extensions to new-build houses and luxury apartments. Our portfolio ranges from traditional vernacular and rural to contemporary and bold juxtapositions. We action minimal moves to maximum effect.
Initially we take into consideration the surrounding site context and the individual client’s brief. Then progress by looking at the client's requirements and see how these best fit the proposal. In the early phases of design we have the ability to bring all the design elements together by investigating which parts fit the jigsaw. We also have the ability to bring our experience and knowledge to the table and employ the appropriate architectural devices. This approach enables each proposal to reach its full potential.
Some of the key points we employ are site context typography and orientation. Our designs also employ the use of natural daylight, open plan and inside-outside aspects to the garden. These devices along with others enable an optimal use and enjoyment of a dwelling.
A majority of our clients now are looking for sustainable construction methods with responsibly sourced building materials. We are an authority on green roofs and are increasingly expanding our palette of sustainable products. This includes energy efficiency with the use of new and evolving systems. We have external consultants to advise on specialist products and systems including passive heating and solar systems.
Our approach is that green design should enhance and not hinder or detract from the architecture. This seems to fit the new wave of green products which are designed to integrate and low impact rather than stick out. It used to be that green architecture was a vulgar display termed "green wash" but like all good design, when used in the right places it can work wonders with the simplest solution.
Location: London
Gross Area: 50 to 99 square metres [sqm]
This is a collaboration with Kristina Eriksen who wished to adapt an Islington terraced property. The aim was to incorporate a contemporary interior whilst maintaining the character of the building. A playfulness of the over sized sash window allows through access from the ground floor to the garden. From the interior the slightly angled window allows natural light to flood through the living space.
Location: Staffordshire
The Hollows is in a pretty village, originally the site of a marl pit.
It is a sunken area surrounded by luscious gardens and plants. A naturalistic extension with a green roof has been designed to match the protruding elements found in the rest of the house. The construction is primarily of timber and features folding sliding doors.
The green roof provides continuity to the garden when overlooked. Providing an ecological and sustainable solution to roofing. The green roof will be planted with sedum providing an additional habitat to the garden. This will also help retain rain water run off.
Location: Staffordshire
Gross Area : 50 to 99 square metres [sqm]
This is a garden extension.
It angles into a wider garden landscape. Thus enabling the clients to inhabit and engage with their garden landscape in full. The garden wing is an overlap between house and garden, allowing a living zone.
In a traditional sense it is an orangery. Allowing the clients use the garden wing to house their citrus plants. This is useful as it protects the plants through the frost.
The dynamic architecture angles and cantilevers from the existing semi-detached house, expressing its intention to inhabit the garden. Thus launching the inhabitants into their favourite landscape. While also sheltering them from the wet English climate.
Location: Cape d'Antibes
Gross Area: 250 to 499 square metres [sqm]
The design is of a new build - for a prospective client on the Cote d'Azur.
The design approach has been to mix traditional vernacular materials with innovative ones. Creating a high standard of contemporary design with a strong sustainable emphasis. The natural slope of the site and the existing topography are integrated into the levels and massing of the building design.
The design has achieved a low profile and enabled the building to be embedded harmoniously in the site.
Location: Battersea
Gross area: 50 to 99 square metres [sqm]
This contemporary rear extension is located within a conservation area.
It incorporates living and gallery space on the ground floor, allowing the client to display an art collection. The upper level is a barrel roof and forms a osteopathic surgery. It provides a view for his patients, overlooks the lower level green roof. This enhances the viewed connection with the garden.
High level glazing provides natural light without losing space for display walls or privacy. The zinc extrusion through the glazed elevation forms the water closet and utility space. This is done in a typical and traditional way.
Location: Corsica, France.
Gross area: 100 to 249 square metres [sqm]
This is a house in the hills of Corsica, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The low structure has sliding stone walls. It takes inspiration from the vernacular paliaghi-style farm buildings, made with local stone and timber.
Based on an indigenous neolithic stone wall construction with a beaten earth roof. This one-off house is designed to look down the barrel with openings at either end. Thus allowing the cool sea breeze to filter through the whole length of the house.
The house is aligned to frame the Genoese tower in the middle distance. The building slots into the granite hillside. Minimizing excavation through the rock with minimal impact to the landscape
Location: Staffordshire
Gross Area: 100 to 200 square metres [sqm]
An innovative project; built with the use of a green roof and responsibly sourced timber. As the name suggests, the concept of a "green roof" is one that is eco-friendly to the environment. Typically they are partially or completely covered with vegetation, usually planted over a waterproofing membrane.
A majority of our clients are now looking for sustainable construction methods and responsibly sourced building materials. Thankfully we are an authority in this area. Increasingly expanding our palette for sustainable products. This includes energy efficiency with the use of new and evolving systems. In addition, we also have external consultants to advise on specialist products and systems including passive heating and solar systems.
Our approach is that green design should enhance and not hinder or detract from the architecture. This seems to be a good fit with the new wave of green products that are designed to integrate and be low impact, rather than stick out. It used to be that green architecture was a vulgar display - termed as "green wash" - but like all good design, when used in the right places it can work wonders with the simplest solution.
Location: Stafford
Gross Area: 150 to 200 square metres [sqm]
Contemporary rear extension, loft conversion, internal alterations and refurbishment.
This project involved a semi-detached dwelling. It is primarily used as a large arts and crafts property. The building was also vastly refurbished as part of the extension work.
The contemporary rear extension links into an outdoor space, enabling the clients to inhabit and engage with their garden landscape. It also incorporates an open plan living and kitchen space - providing a high level of natural light. This was designed to assist in forming a large cohesive family space.
The materiality of the extension gives juxtaposition with the existing dwelling. This is achieved via the use of aluminium and timber. Whilst the reclaimed brick and render provide a visual connection to the existing construction.
The loft conversion forms a master bedroom suite. This is accessed via a new 3-storey arts and crafts style stairway. Natural light to the stairs is provided by a full height feature stained glass window, situated to the side elevation. Within the loft space is a hidden balcony, offering a private view to the rear over Rowley Park.
Location: Staffordshire
Gross Area: 50 to 99 square metres [sqm]
This unit is one of many new concept extensions we are involved in designing. It uses sheep’s wool insulation and features a green roof. Both of these aspects offer a sustainable, environmentally friendly approach to architecture.
There is a new incentive for clients to think and be environmental responsible. The Government's renewable energy policy aims to put the UK on a path to cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 2020. Thankfully significant carbon dioxide savings can be gained by displacing fossil fuels.
To date it is hard to find unobtrusive sustainable energy systems to be used in conservation areas and on listed buildings. The Ground Source Heat Pump changes that. It is a renewable energy source, acting as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel. This will provide a 100% solution to heating and hot water. As heat pumps do not require a flue there are no emissions of any sort.
The environmental benefits are the substantial reduction of carbon emissions. When combined with Juice by Npower, this can attains a carbon neutral solution.
Architect experts covering Stafford, Uttoxeter, Abbots Bromeley, East Staffordshire and beyond.
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© Copyright 2011 Aaron Chetwynd Architect Studio LLP - all rights reserved. Company number: OC356003.
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