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Pilot Project: The Water Tower
Project Synopsis: Conversion of an early Victorian Grade II Listed Water Tower to Passivhaus EnerPHit Standards using Bio-based Materials.
Introduction:
Outlined here is the ambitious project to convert an early Victorian Grade II listed water tower into a sustainable, energy-efficient living space that adheres to Passivhaus EnerPHit standards. The conversion will prioritize the use of natural materials. By combining architectural innovation, sustainable practices, and philosophical alignment, this project aims to create a harmonious and morally conscious living environment.
Objectives:
1. Sustainable Conversion: Our primary objective is to transform the water tower into a sustainable and energy-efficient living space. By implementing Passivhaus EnerPHit standards, we will minimize energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for its occupants.
2. Natural Material Integration: The conversion will prioritize the use of natural materials, such as timber, stone, and clay, to ensure an environmentally friendly approach. These materials will not only contribute to the building's aesthetic appeal but also enhance its energy performance and promote a healthier living environment.
3. Historical Preservation: As a Grade II listed structure, the water tower holds historical significance. Our proposal respects and preserves the architectural heritage of the building while integrating modern sustainable design principles. The conversion will maintain the tower's original features and character while repurposing it for contemporary living.
4. Morality: We aim to align our design and construction choices with a new philosophy of building. This philosophical framework emphasizes the re-evaluation of traditional moral values and the pursuit of individual excellence. By integrating this framework into the project, we seek to create a living environment that promotes personal growth, self-reflection, and ethical responsibility.
17th Century Cottage
Project Description: Restoration of a 17th Century Cottage in Highgate, London
Nestled within the historic enclave of Highgate, London, stands a picturesque 17th-century cottage—a testament to the rich architectural heritage of the area. With a commitment to preserving its timeless charm, our team embarked on a journey of sensitive restoration, breathing new life into this venerable structure while honoring its storied past.
From the outset, our approach was rooted in a deep appreciation for tradition and authenticity. Utilising traditional building methods and natural materials, we embarked on the meticulous restoration of this historic gem. The restoration process encompassed every facet of the cottage, from the weathered floorboards to the timeworn lime plaster walls.
Central to our restoration efforts was the painstaking rehabilitation of the original floorboards—each plank whispering tales of centuries gone by. With utmost care and attention to detail, our craftsmen meticulously restored these character-rich boards, breathing new life into the cottage's interior while preserving its inherent charm and character.
Furthermore, the restoration of the cottage's lime plaster walls served as a testament to our commitment to heritage craftsmanship. Drawing upon time-honored techniques, we expertly applied lime plaster, meticulously replicating the textures and finishes of centuries past. The result? Walls that exude a sense of history and authenticity, evoking a bygone era with every brushstroke.
In keeping with the cottage's historical context, our restoration also included the use of distemper paints—a traditional finish that imbues interiors with a soft, matte patina reminiscent of yesteryear. Embracing this age-old technique, we adorned the cottage's walls with hues inspired by nature, infusing the space with warmth, character, and timeless elegance.
Today, as the restoration draws to a close, the cottage stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of historic architecture. With its restored floorboards, lime plaster walls, and distemper-painted interiors, it serves as a living tribute to the craftsmanship of generations past—a timeless sanctuary steeped in history and tradition.
The Chateau
Completed Project: Vineyard Storage Building Conversion - South of France
Location: South of France
Project Type: Conversion of Disused Vineyard Building into a 7-Bedroom Home
Materials Used: Stone, Reclaimed and Local Roman Bricks, Timber
A sensitive conversion of a disused vineyard building into a magnificent 7-bedroom home nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the south of France. This architectural endeavour showcases our commitment to preserving the region's heritage while embracing sustainable design practices.
The exterior of the building has been meticulously restored using traditional and natural materials. The timeless charm of locally sourced stone has been brought back to life, with skilled artisans carefully crafting each piece to ensure the original character is preserved. The weathered walls have been transformed into a captivating façade that seamlessly integrates into the surrounding countryside.
To further enhance the authenticity of the design, reclaimed and local Roman bricks have been incorporated into the project. These bricks not only add a touch of history but also infuse the interior spaces with a warm and rustic ambiance.
Inside the home, timber takes centre stage, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Locally sourced and sustainably harvested, the timber beams and flooring add a touch of natural beauty to every room.
Passivhaus
Project Description: Passivhaus Construction Using Natural Bio-Based Materials
This project involves the construction of a Passivhaus, a highly energy-efficient building, utilizing natural bio-based materials. With a commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness, we have sourced yakisugi timber from a sustainably managed forest located 20 miles from the construction site to clad the building.
The primary objective of this project is to create a comfortable and energy-efficient living space that minimizes its carbon footprint while promoting the use of renewable materials. By adhering to the Passivhaus standard, we aim to drastically reduce the building's energy consumption and ensure a healthy indoor environment.
The choice of yakisugi timber as the primary cladding material not only adds visual appeal but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability. Yakisugi timber, also known as Shou Sugi Ban, is a traditional Japanese technique of charring wood to enhance its durability and aesthetics. By utilizing this technique, we not only increase the lifespan of the timber but also create a unique and striking exterior finish. The timber is sourced from a sustainably managed forest, ensuring responsible harvesting practices and minimizing the environmental impact.
In addition to the yakisugi timber cladding, the construction utilizes natural bio-based materials. From the foundation to the roof, every component is carefully selected to meet our sustainability goals. Natural insulation materials, such as sheep's wool and hemp, are used to ensure superior thermal performance while reducing the carbon footprint associated with synthetic insulation materials. Natural clay or lime-based plasters are applied to the interior walls, contributing to a healthy indoor environment by regulating humidity and improving air quality.
The Passivhaus design principles, coupled with the use of natural bio-based materials, create a building that is not only energy-efficient but also promotes sustainable living. High-performance windows and doors maximize natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation systems. The building envelope is carefully sealed to eliminate air leaks, further reducing energy consumption.
The Wash House
EP. 02
Project Description: Conversion and Retrofit of a Grade II Listed Victorian Wash House in Bexhill-on-Sea
Status: On - Site
Services Rendered:
Planning
Listed Building Consent
Building Control Application
Technical Drawings
This project involved the conversion and retrofit of a small Grade II listed Victorian wash house in the charming coastal town of Bexhill-on-Sea. With a focus on historical preservation and sustainable practices, the team of skilled craftsmen meticulously transformed this historic building using traditional and reclaimed materials such as brick, lime, and oak beams.
The main objective of this project was to seamlessly blend the building's rich history with modern functionality, creating a unique space that pays homage to its Victorian roots. Through careful restoration, we ensured that the original features of the wash house were preserved, allowing its authentic charm and character to shine through.
Brick played a vital role in this restoration, with its weathered appearance telling the story of the wash house's past. We sourced reclaimed bricks that closely matched the original ones, ensuring a seamless integration of old and new. The use of lime mortar not only provided structural stability but also allowed the building to breathe and adapt to the changing climate, enhancing its longevity and sustainability.
To add warmth and grandeur to the space, we utilized reclaimed oak beams throughout the conversion. These beams, carefully selected for their rich patina and intricate craftsmanship, not only provided structural support but also acted as visual reminders of the building's history.
In addition to restoration, our architects employed their expertise to reimagine the wash house as a functional and contemporary living environment. Modern elements were carefully integrated to create a harmonious blend of Victorian elegance and 21st-century comfort. From restored windows that flood the space with natural light to expertly crafted doors that add a touch of sophistication, every detail was thoughtfully considered to enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
Throughout the project, our team paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each element seamlessly integrated with the overall design. The result is a space that not only honors the building's past but also provides a comfortable and sustainable living environment for its occupants.
By exploring the photo gallery of this remarkable project on our website, you can witness the stunning transformation of this small Grade II listed Victorian wash house in Bexhill-on-Sea. We are confident that our conversion and retrofit, carried out with craftsmanship and using traditional and reclaimed materials, will inspire and captivate those who appreciate the beauty of historical preservation and sustainable practices
The Magic Fruit
EP. 03
This proposal invites the visitor to imagine what it might be like to be engulfed in the magical world of trees.
What a small insect inside a piece of fruit may be experiencing as it burrows through the flesh of a peach swaying far above the ground? Or what a tree looks like from the perspective of its fallen fruit?
What feelings of wonder could be opened up through changing our entire perspective? What if we could detach ourselves from our conditioned rational thinking and strive to understand and take in the world through an unknown eye?
The magic fruit strives to act as a host for the awakening of the undiscovered senses and invite it’s visitors to crawl, sit, feel, listen, look, play and hopefully come away with an understanding of being another, whether it be microscopically small, breathtakingly big or operating with limited or different senses.
The interior of the fruits act as tactile galleries that play with scale and have unusual protruding shapes that mimic textures found on the inside of fruits and seed pods. The openings in the fruit provide windows of an altered perspective to the world outside. Our team of multidisciplinary artist work with re-purposed and natural materials to achieve a truly magical and playful experience..