Firstly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the brief was to create a healthy environment.  Thus, one which offers a healthy work/life balance, promotes wellbeing and provides flexible spaces.  Therefore, our challenge was to design a fine balance between open-plan family spaces and more secluded living areas for privacy.

To begin with, ACA’s design team carefully listened to the clients’ requirements and wishes.  Also, throughout the design stage, we offered various alternative options, until we reached the ideal design proposal.

In fact, the final design meets the brief and offers a modern interpretation of the local vernacular.

Layout

The proposal comprises of:

Four first floor bedrooms with ample storage space, an en-suite, a Jack & Jill bathroom and a spacious shared bathroom.

The ground floor has:

A large open plan kitchen / dining area, a lounge – which will double up as an occasional bedroom, a bathroom, utility and plant room, garage space for two cars and a garden store accessed from outside.

In addition, there is a WC & boot room in the breezeway, joining up with the annexe / granny flat which comprises of:

A kitchen / living area, a bedroom, a bathroom and a cloakroom.

Materials

Principally, ACA’s design team sensitively took the surrounding residential developments into consideration. Therefore, the proposed massing is in line with the local domestic scale. However, the design offers a contemporary interpretation of the traditional vernacular design.

Furthermore, we selected materials to respect the local architecture yet introduce an innovative take in the use and proportions.

For instance, the selected characteristic bricks and detailing with oak timber effect weatherboard ensures the aesthetic benefits of timber, less the maintenance issues.

Interior Design

ACA’s interior designer selected natural materials to provide a calming atmosphere. For example, wooden floors and furniture create a welcoming environment.  Moreover, soft furnishings and rugs in light colours lighten up the rooms.

Site and landscape

The site sits back from the road, following alignments with the existing adjacent building, with off-road parking for three vehicles. Hence, ACA designed the house to have minimal impact on neighbours and to maximise our Clients’ privacy.

Well-being and Sustainability

ACA’s team applied the WELL Building Standard® design principles, a performance-based system that monitors features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing. As a result, the layout provides efficient circulation, motivating environments and aesthetically appealing interiors to holistically support health and well-being.

Finally, the proposed development will receive the rating of sustainable ‘cradle to grave’ construction types.  Furthermore, we specified insulation with low embodied environmental impact to reduce energy usage. In addition, natural ventilation is maximised using openable windows, while maximising daylight.