Rural Dwelling,
Vale Ridgeway

Brief

To provide a new super energy efficient dwelling on the margins of open countryside to provide accommodation to the owner of an equestrian livery and dressage school.

Challenges

To imagine a new dwelling which responds to its open context by offfering panoramic views across toward the Ridgeway path without detracting from a rural setting.

Solution

An overtly agricultural form was adopted, whilst a contemporary layout - locating principal living spaces at first floor - exploits distant views. The project employs the latest Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) technology, which offers exceptional speed to achieve a high-quality weathertight shell, with superior levels of insulation with the potential to minimise ongoing fuel bills. Now nearing completion, the property has achieved excellent levels of airtightness under recent controlled tests, and promises to approach 'Passivhaus' levels of performance, whilst offering a fantastic home and vantage point over the dressage arena, with the Ridgeway escarpment as a dramatic backdrop.