Eco Home, Refurbishment And Extension, Lake District

The proposal is a remodel of the existing house, externally cladding the walls to create a super-insulated dwelling. Altering the roof to increase the insulation within, reworking the existing glazing openings to allow full height opening windows and opening glazed doors to increase the natural ventilation and daylight entering the dwelling. An addition of a small side extension providing a plant room- in which facilities such as an air source heat pump will be situated, utility style space and storage. Internally the layout is to be kept very similar with the demolition of just two walls to create a more usable, open-plan living area. The proposal seeks to result in a contemporary, future-proof dwelling not only visually but also in terms of sustainability and thermal efficiency.

High Gill is a sloped site with grassland areas and layered landscaping including scattered trees and short perennial plants. Located within a designated conservation area. The existing house is screened by dense woodland on the northeast riverside and due to being positioned above and behind the rooftops of the existing houses in The Gill, is not visible from The Gill square below.

The proposal looks to combine these aesthetics to achieve a sensitive design that does not have a negative or overbearing impact on the rural location of the site, this is done through the sympathetic material choices, with the use of a timber cladding that wraps around the entire existing building, allowing it to almost blend in with its surroundings. To maximise the natural daylight, optimise solar gains and increase natural ventilation- whilst also framing the spectacular views over Ulverston and the Lake District- slightly larger spans of glazing are to be added to each elevation.

One of the main influences in the design was ensuring that the connection between the indoor spaces and outdoor areas was solidified, this is achieved through the addition of large, glazed doors out from the open-plan living area and full-height, opening windows in each of the bedrooms. Whilst this also contributed to achieving optimum natural light and ventilation it also creates the idea of indoor-outdoor living. Along with the alterations to the dwelling, the proposal also includes some changes to the landscaping itself, with the addition of more plants and vegetation in the existing planted areas along with new steel Corten planters positioned in line with the steps up to the property. The addition of substantial wildflower areas benefits nature in the locality.

Services provided:

• Full Measured Survey
• Feasibility concept designs
• Full planning application
• Technical Construction Drawings
• Contractor procurement
• Project management

Sustainability

One of the most influential aspects of this project was the improvement in the sustainability of the dwelling, the following includes the solutions proposed to achieve this.

Rainwater Harvesting

Domestic rainwater harvesting systems can save up to 50% of water consumption within the average home. Water can be used for toilet flushing, washing clothes, garden watering and car washing. Rainwater harvesting will be proposed for this development.

Super Insulated Fabric Of The Building

The existing property is poorly insulated. The proposed development features innovative retrofitting environmental solutions, including the use of external insulation for all external walls, the replacement of the roof structure and floor structure to again add more insulation along with underfloor heating throughout the living spaces. Insulating the floor, walls, and roof to a high degree, referred to as "super insulation" will isolate the internal environment of the house from the external weather and climate. Insulating the dwelling to a high standard will not only improve the thermal comfort, but also reduce energy requirements. The aim is to reduce demand to such an extent that all the building's energy needs can be met through renewable technologies.

A dwelling designed with increased air tightness will minimise the amount of warm air escaping the building (this is the uncontrolled, 'bad ventilation'). Natural or mechanical ventilation systems will maintain healthy indoor air quality when the windows are closed and can pre -heat incoming fresh air such as in the case of MVHR systems (Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery). Advanced window technology will help to create an air-sealed environment. Gas-filled triple glazing will achieve greater heat retention through sun gain and prevent heat loss.

Renewable Energy Using Innovative Technologies

In order to heat and cool the dwelling technology such as air source heat pumps and solar panels paired with underfloor heating positioned beneath a polished concrete floor- again increasing the thermal mass- are to be used.

Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery ( MVHR)

MVHR enables houses with a high air tightness to remove stale damp air inside and replenish with fresh, dry outside air with minimal heat loss. Warm, moist air from bathrooms and the kitchen are extracted and a heat exchanger (HEX) recovers heat. Heat is transferred to the cold, dry outside air through the HEX and are typically over 85% effective. Warm, dry air is circulated by the Heat Exchanger through ducting into rooms throughout the house.

Ground/Air Source Heating

An air source heat pump will help the building to be more sustainable, being used for both heating and cooling the building it will lower the carbon footprint, save money on energy bills as well as requiring minimal maintenance.

Achieving A Net-Zero Carbon Future

Heating and hot water make up 25% of total energy use in British homes, equating to 15% of our greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce the UK ’s carbon emissions, the best heating systems are being encouraged by the government. This starts with the proposed ban of fossil-fuel heating in domestic new-build properties from 2025 – forming a part of the government’s plans to achieve net-zero by 2050. Gas and oil boilers are some of the fossil fuel systems that the government hopes to ban from 2025.

Thinking of similar development for your own property? Feel free to get in touch and see how Carters can make your dream home become reality.