The Brow

Growing up in Rural Wiltshire I spent a great deal of time exploring the corridors and rooms of traditional farmhouses and cottages. To me there is great importance in the way that materials are used and celebrated to make a house more than just a building.

We began by reminiscing about the sounds and smells of those early memories; the warmth of the sun on the cold stone tiles, or the smell of well waxed wood and old books. Then we looked at how combining modern and traditional detailing could further celebrate those strengths.

Vistas through the home were played with to ensure that whilst some remained minimal, hence framing views out of the building, others were cluttered with intrigue so as to convolute and slow ones perception of the spaces as you enter them.

Throughout the rural eco house a balance was sought between serenity and activity providing varying levels of warmth or composure to the spaces created.

elevation with twin gables
exposed beams eco self build house architecture
slate tile roof and wooden cladding eco self build house architecture
elevation with twin gable with garage and lawns

Sustainable Measures

Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP)

Photovoltaic panels

Natural sustainable materials and reused materials

Environmental construction policy to minimise chemical use and construction waste

Passive solar gain regulation/orientation studies undertaken during design

Electric car charging and allocated space for future battery installation

Minimal internal structure to allow future alteration

High insulation levels (low U and Y values)

Home working space

Rain water harvesting to a large beneath ground tank

Rural Eco House
Chippenham / Malmesbury, Cotswolds