“A small suburban site, together with a very limited budget, formed the constraints for this project. . . but also the opportunities. ”
Project Background
Our clients live in a period property and they love the area they live in, but don’t need such a big house anymore and are keen to escape the draughts and high running costs that come with living in an older house.
They have found a plot on a secluded residential area which has a derelict bungalow on that they would like to demolish.
Progress
Cost control is hugely important to them as they have a finite budget and they 100% wanted turnkey.
“This scheme is a great example of how value engineering can help reduce overall project costs whilst contributing positively to the architecture”, says Josh Wood, the architect for the scheme. “The trick is to consider the buildability of the project from the outset and rationalise this to a high degree; taking advantage of innovative contemporary building methods and standardised components. To illustrate this: the form is derived from a standard posi-joist width and standard timber frame panel. The windows are repeated but given variation though sporadic placement and the concealed roof is built designed around cheap and slick profile metal sheets. Furthermore, the simple form requires minimal rainwater goods and weatherproofing whilst being extremely quick to build.
But all this saving does not affect the quality of the architecture in the slightest. The simple form exaggerates the sense of space and light inside by providing a large, high living space overlooked by a mezzanine and cut into with various openings to bring in the light from all angles. Although there is no oak frame, a sense of ‘oakyness’ will be achieved through select components such as window frames, floor, stairs & handrails; anything you look through, traverse or touch on a regular basis.”
This compact suburban home is currently in build and is looking to be completed in January 2019.