Riverside Homestead

surrey

The design for this project was driven by our clients’ passion for self-sufficiency, both in terms of construction and food production.

The riverside property, located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was also in the flood plain and had suffered previous flooding. The dilapidated existing bungalow was not worth saving, presenting an opportunity to create exactly the home they were dreaming of.

The new building is raised up from ground level, in response to both the flood plain and the interesting views within the property and to the greenery beyond. The home features vaulted ceilings, open plan spaces and large glazing areas where appropriate. As avid cooks and hosts, a generous and flexible kitchen and living area solve a long-time challenge for them. The superstructure is built with highly insulated reinforced concrete, photovoltaic panels provide electricity, and a solar thermal system provides hot water. A ground source heat pump provides space heating, and rainwater is harvested for the vegetable garden. The result is a spacious, light, welcoming and low maintenance property with low running costs. A separate garden annexe and a workshop building create an interesting cluster of buildings, enhanced by the planting of additional fruit trees and bushes.

This home is currently under construction.