Delmon
Project Type:
New Build
Location:
Sussex
Project Description
The client brief was for the replacement of one single dwelling with four new dwellings in line with government targets. The fundamental design concept of the buildings has been informed by sustainable ideals, starting with building orientation at the core of good design coupled with strong attention to detail and quality of materials.
The Sussex new build development site was an attempt to create a fresh level of design for new housing. The project takes inspiration from the local area’s past, heritage, and craftsmanship, along with injecting contemporary ideas.
The site is surrounded by other predominantly residential dwellings, largely detached with small to medium size gardens. The site fronts onto a main road and is underutilised with one large 1970's dwelling on it. This dwelling was built with little or no levels of insulation typical of the time with additional high heat losses occurring due to air leakage.
The buildings are designed to step down the site from east to west echoing and joining with the slope of the land from the road to the pond. Each plot sits on a different axis to reflect the layout and topography of the site. The individual buildings are positioned to maximise the south-facing gardens and to ensure privacy in these spaces.
The layout of the building has been driven by the desire to provide a light and airy space that will inspire the occupants. Imagine waking daily to views down through the building to the pond below. Each house design makes as full use as possible of passive solar gains whilst ensuring as many spaces as possible have natural daylighting to reduce energy consumption for lighting and heating. This has been a delicate balance of the desire for ecological design over the need to maximise footprint.
Areas of full height glazing on the south and southwest facades are designed to encourage solar gains during winter months whilst the heavy presence of trees on the site, in particular the deciduous trees, will help to prevent the buildings from overheating during the summer.
For this project we have completed the RIBA Stages 1-4.
Stage 1 - Preparation & Brief
Stage 2 - Concept Design
Stage 3 - Spatial Coordination
Stage 4 - Technical Design