Now that the shortlist has been made public, we are super excited to share with you our entry for The British Home Awards - The Sunday Times Readers' Choice home competition 2018. Our entry was "The Garden Terrace" and unfortunately, it didn't get through to the next stages. However, we still want to share with you our concept for what we think, could be an option for the future of terraced housing.
Terraces were originally designed to house both family and servants together in one place, over time this housing typology has become a popular part of British culture but in keeping with modern times, we recognise that the family structure has changed along with many other social and economic influences. Our proposal re-invents the traditional terraced house for the 21st century, providing flexibility to enable changes in family structure over multiple generations and providing an adaptable dwelling that can grow or shrink in size to accommodate the different demands each generation may have.
Layout
There are two main entrances to the ground floor, the front entrance accesses the main section of the house and the rear entrance accesses the garage and ancillary space. Dividing both sections is a walled courtyard. A glazed link connects the main house to the ancillary quarters. Bi-fold doors open the glazed link onto the courtyard creating additional amenity space. On the ground floor, there are the bedrooms/ office and family bathroom.
The first floor incorporates an open plan lounge, kitchen and dining area aiding communal living and bringing the family together. Large bi-fold doors open onto a juliette balcony which overlooks the private courtyard, this floods light into the open plan first floor. A first-floor garden incorporating a green roof provides additional private amenity space with elevated views of the surroundings and street below.
The master bedroom is situated on the second floor with its own private terrace. A small vegetable garden is also situated at this level allowing the occupants to grow their own produce and promoting self-sufficient lifestyle.
Adaptability
Adaptability is a key driver behind the design of this terraced house it acknowledges the requirement that families evolve with changing lifestyles and life-stage needs. The house can be divided up into three key section. The front living section of the house will remain a constant as the rear ancillary section allows for future growth. The design of this section allows for the possibility of a future extension if the occupant’s requirements change creating an additional bedroom, office or family room. The rear section of the house also allows for the flexibility to be converted into a separate standalone annex/ maisonette. The rear sections of two units can be combined to create two - one bedroom flats.
The adaptability means families can remain in the house for many years which improves neighbourly relationships and stability in the community.
Delivery
Environment
The environmental philosophy developed for the design of this terrace house centres around the idea of happiness wellbeing and the enjoyment of life.
The sedum roof as well creating a recreational space and visual benefits will also improve biodiversity and reduce surface water run-off. The private and communal allotments will encourage self-sufficiency as well as healthy eating.
Services within the building help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote the use of primary energy sources with a high efficiency gas boiler and photovoltaic panels. There will be the option provided that the energy created by the panels can be stored in a house battery system. Water consumption has been addressed through the use of rain and grey water treatment and harvesting.
The compact design combined with utilising Passivhaus principles such minimising thermal bridging, air tight construction and balance ventilation providing fresh air will help to reduce heating costs.
Construction
It is proposed that the houses will be constructed using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). The benefits of this system are:
- Allows for offsite construction.
- Quick onsite assemble allowing internal work to commence earlier.
- Can achieve good air leakage levels.
- High thermal efficiency for the building envelope.
- Easy repetition of parts for multiple units.
Technology
As well as an adaptable layout and lifestyle the design will also allow for easy integration of future technologies through the use of wireless intelligent infrastructure. Smart home technology occupants will be able to control items such as media, heating, car charging and even ordering a new extension through their phone!
