Arrayed Works

FOUR HOUSES

The design of four new homes on a rural site in Derbyshire. The southernmost plot is planned as a self build home for the clients, with the other three houses intended to be developed and sold off to help finance the project.


Sited on a hill, the buildings are set into the landscape, with the higher density two storey, four bedroom houses positioned towards the north of the site adjoining the built form of the village. Moving downwards into the valley, the single storey, two bedroom bungalow adopts an agricultural character, the simple shed like volumes enclosing a courtyard that serves the home.


All the dwellings have been orientated to face the south, capturing views of the landscape and maximising natural light. Internal layouts have been configured to provide south facing windows to all habitable rooms of all dwellings. Service spaces such as bathrooms, utility rooms and circulation have been located on the northern elevations.


Particular attention has been paid to the design of the bungalow, incorporating the various aspirations and requirements of the clients. The house has been divided into two wings, the south wing provides the main living accommodation; bedrooms, bathroom and living room, whilst the west wing provides the service spaces; workshop, utility room, kitchen. The wings are angled at 110° to one another imposing a degree of complexity where they intersect at the heart of the house. A large, partially covered terrace connects the interior spaces to the garden with a dual aspect chimney providing space for a log burner internally and barbeque externally.


Designed to be an extremely low carbon development, all dwellings are to be of timber frame construction, with high levels of insulation and airtightness specified throughout and thermal bridging minimised at junctions. Each dwelling will have the capacity for on site energy generation through the use of photovoltaic panels, will employ rainwater harvesting systems to reduce water consumption and will utilise air source heat pumps for space and water heating with mechanical heat recovery ventilation.