Sustainable Design: no longer just 'a nice to have'
By Sally Ormiston | 05.04.23
Our architecture practice is skilled in designing homes and other buildings that not only meet the needs of the final user but bring together creative design ideas with the latest solutions for more sustainable buildings, as a recent project in the Nidderdale AONB demonstrates.
"There is so much progress in this space, it's exciting to see the potential for the built environment to contribute to the net-zero goals."
Our Passivhaus accredited Head of Architecture, Malcolm Birks, recently attended the FutureBuild exhibition. He commented that ‘there is so much progress in this space, it's exciting to see the potential for the built environment to contribute to the net-zero goal and to have the opportunity to bring these new technologies and construction practices to life across our design work for new homes, commercial and leisure buildings in rural locations’.
One of our current projects is a great example of this, with the design informed by the wish to create spacious family living which makes the most of a sloping site and open views across open countryside.
A stunning replacement dwelling is proposed in a challenging but beautiful AONB setting.
The design references the material palette of the local vernacular including natural Yorkstone and a sandstone flag roof complemented by timber cladding, horizontal timber louvres and a green, flat roof with local seeds creating a bespoke roof flora. As well as creating a fabulous living space integrated with the landscape, the home will offer eco-living with high levels of insulation and air tightness plus a ground source heat pump, rainwater harvesting and use of local, reclaimed materials contributing to the sustainable attributes of this replacement house.
This has been a complex project, with the challenges of a sloping site, tree preservation orders, a neighbouring Grade II Listed property and two historical planning refusals and an appeal dismissed. The client came to Rural Solutions after a lengthy, disappointing process to overcome these challenges and deliver a low-energy, beautifully designed, contemporary family home.
To discuss your ideas for a sustainable new home, or any other design requirement for a rural development scheme, please get in touch at info@ruralsolutions.co.uk and check out our rural projects for more examples of our work.
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