Ayto

Unbuilt

By lifting the living rooms up to the new level, we were able to design them to make the most of the long northern orientation.

To increase the size of the dwelling and improve the solar access and amenity of the house.

While the adjacent semi had been added to in the past, we decided to develop an interesting and environmentally sensitive approach that was more responsive to its opportunities than its neighbour.

By lifting the living rooms up to the new level, we were able to design them to make the most of the long northern orientation. The front living room makes the most of the views to the ocean, while the open plan family room connects to a covered terrace and the rear garden.

The roof was designed to provide the perfect placement for photovoltaics and solar water heating devices, while allowing for great controllable cross flow ventilation. Adjustable louvres on the northern elevation elegantly provide the ability to manage the sun while providing privacy to the neighbouring gardens.

Simple and intuitive methods for operating the house
Provision of home office facilities
Location of house near local facilities
Convenient location of storage space for recycling

Good thermal performance of house
Good natural light and ventilation
Good views to the outside
Natural oils finish for timber floors throughout house
Attention to planning and detailing to manage acoustics
Low VOC paints
Low VOC boards for joinery

Good thermal performance to result in minimal heating and cooling
Appropriate levels of insulation and thermal mass
Ability to zone areas of the house
Ceiling fans to bedrooms and living rooms
Well designed natural ventilation throughout house
Good natural light throughout house
Low energy lighting using fluorescents and LEDS
Solar hot water heating
Swimming pool systems designed for minimal energy use
Roof designed specifically for photo voltaics for energy generation
Convenient, dedicated, sunny area for drying clothes

High performance water saving fixtures and appliances
Low water garden
Half of existing pool to be converted to water storage, connected to toilets, washing machine and landscape

Materials selected with thought given to reducing their impacts over their life
House designed to easily adapt to changing family lifestyles
Retention and extension of life for existing building and its materials
Certified timber for framed windows and doors
Certified timber for new floor boards and decking

Built-on area kept to a minimum
Land used for building improved by project
Garden design to enhance local ecosystems and encourage local flora and fauna
Connection of living areas to garden to assist in better care