Picture House
Brief
The site originally served as garden space for a large manor house and featured a brick-built barn used for storing machinery. When our clients acquired the site, there was an existing permission for converting the barn into a residential dwelling. Although the existing permission allowed for a dwelling of adequate size, the proposed elevation design lacked creativity, and the internal layout was not tailored to the clients’ needs. From the outset, our clients made it clear that this project was a one-time endeavour, and they were focused on creating their forever home.
Response
After understanding the family’s daily routines and dynamics, we proceeded to redesign the internal layout of the approved house. Given the Planning Constraints that restricted any increase in the building’s size, our focus was on optimising the internal configuration to enhance flow, increase natural light, and accommodate the needs of a growing family. We implemented subtle yet impactful changes to the exterior design, emphasising brick detailing, strategic window placements to frame views, and create symmetry and a sense of grandeur through the addition of a porch and two dormer windows.
A primary consideration for our client was the thermal performance and long-term energy efficiency of the home. To address this, we engaged with a firm that specialise in renewable energy technology early in the design process to future-proof the property. The home was designed with integrated photovoltaic panels in the roof, air source heat pumps for the heating system, and a mechanical heat recovery system to ensure optimal air quality and thermal control.
We have been so happy with Coleman Anderson Architects. From the initial meeting until the close of our project they have been reliable, professional and transparent. They have enabled us to build the house of our dreams and I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again. I highly recommend their work and can’t thank them enough for helping us through the house building process.
Factfile
- Catergory: Residential / New Build / Greenbelt
- Location: Penshurst, Kent
- Budget or size: 4 bedroom home with basement
- Contractors & Consultants: Barrow Contracting, Kloeber, Peter Alexander, New Wave, JPS Renewables
- Images: Mikey Reed
