Energy Efficient Sustainable Design
This 1960s detached house was fully insulated (including an external insulating render) and had 3 heating systems installed, including a condensing boiler feeding the under floor heating, solar thermal water heating panels and a wood burning stove. A 3.7 kW solar photovoltaic system produces electricity offsetting energy costs to the powering of the home and an electric car.
Water use has been reduced with the addition of low flow showers, toilets, a water butt, a foot pedal operated tap and a diverter valve for the bath water. The resulting impact means that water use has been reduced by one third.
The need for artificial lighting has been reduced through maximising natural light. We doubled the amount of glazing on the ground floor, fitted slimline Velfac windows, and installed glass panel internal doors, allowing natural light to flood through the interior space. To supplement this, a cutting edge low energy LED lighting system has been installed throughout.
Human-Centred Biophilic Design
The core principles of Biophilic design have been delivered through the external architecture, landscape design and the creation of the internal spaces. Key to creating a healthy home is enhancing natural light, improving air quality, connecting with nature and creating spaces for occupants to both connect and find recuperative space to be alone.
The heat recovery system supplies a continual source of fresh filtered air to all rooms of the home– removing moist stale air from the bathroom, kitchen and utility spaces, whilst extracting the warmth to preheat fresh air entering the property.
The interior utilises a variety of natural and reclaimed materials supplementing the biophilic quality of the space; adding natural texture and a human scale to the space. The ultimate aim was to create a home that functions efficiently whilst creating a warm and nurturing space to live in.
Design Elements
Some examples of the Human-Centred Biophilic features include:
- An abundance of natural light with seating near windows for sunlight exposure, keeping circadian rhythms in check
- HEPA filtered fresh air system throughout
- Zero toxin paints and finishes to surfaces and furniture
- Views out over the garden space
- Planting throughout, including floor standing and hanging plants
- Fully timber clad walls, both inside and outside the house
- Wooden furniture with natural grain, including the kitchen cupboards and cabinets
- A wood-burning stove to watch the flickering flames
- Natural patterns in furniture and furnishings
- A timber bed to reduce heart rates at night
- Bathroom with naturally patterned tiles that highlight the presence of water
- An external firepit with seating to gather around outside
- Raised beds to grow a selection of fruit and veg plus an edible landscape.
Get in touch...
If you would like to speak with us about how we can help create you a Biophilic home.