This project won 'Best Individual New Home' in the LABC Central Building Excellence Awards.
The technically advanced and highly sustainable earth shelter building was created by excavating into an area of raised ground. The aim was to integrate the new structure into its environment such that it would be substantially absorbed within the existing topography and have minimal impact upon its wider setting. It is situated in the grounds of a Listed Georgian property and it was important that neither building should dominate the other.
A retaining wall was formed using insulated concrete formwork (ICF) as shuttering and tied to a reinforced concrete raft which raised the floor construction above anticipated flood levels and bridged natural springs which traverse the site.
The building incorporates slimline glazed wall solutions – coupled with the extensive use of rooflights this has created a light and airy interior whilst a MVHR system ensures a balanced low energy ventilation system throughout.
The result is a low-impact but truly cutting–edge home with a number of highly sustainable features.