ACA has designed a contemporary residential house for the Client. Furthermore the design aims to create a simple and high-quality design, with a room composition considering comfort and utility, to create a healthy environment.

Above all, the Client briefed ACA to design a high quality house focusing on well-being and a healthy environment. In addition, the layouts provide an open plan approach to domestic living with plenty of natural light combined with more secluded living areas for privacy when required. Furthermore the design takes into consideration the surrounding residential context offering a contemporary interpretation of the vernacular.

Plan Layout

To start with, the proposal comprises of three amply-sized first floor bedrooms and a spacious shared bathroom. In addition, the ground floor boasts a large open plan kitchen/dining area with two lounge rooms, one of which will double up as an occasional bedroom. Furthermore, a bathroom, WC & utility room serve the ground floor with garage space for three cars and a garden store accessed from outside.

Research Design

During the research design stage for the house layout, ACA applied design principals in the WELL Building Standard. That is, the WELL Building Standard® is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind. ACA designed a simple layout including efficient circulation, aesthetically appealing interiors and motivating environments to holistically support health and well-being.

Interior Design

Quite simply, the selection of natural interior materials provides a calming atmosphere.

Materials

ACA thoughtfully selected materials to respect the architecture of the local context and introduce an innovative take to express the building form. For example, the materials include the characteristic bricks and detailing with oak timber effect weather boards. In fact, the formulation of the robust board ensures the aesthetic benefits of timber but none of the maintenance issues. Moreover, the boards offer a contemporary design reinterpretation of vernacular materials.

Landscape

ACA has provided the necessary care to the existing trees along the boundary of the site to remove stakes and ties. In addition, the team has designed a communal garden area for a sensory experience and enjoyment of the residents.

Sustainability

The development of the building elements are specified with reference to the BRE Green Guide to comply with Approved Document Part L. This ensures a rating of sustainable ‘cradle to grave’ construction types. Insulation with a low embodied environmental impact has been specified to reduce energy usage. Natural ventilation is maximised using openable windows, which at the same time maximises daylight.