Mole End
New Forest, Hampshire
Overview
A dated 1960s bungalow in great need of refurbishment and enlargement to accommodate a growing family. Mole End is set within the New Forest National Park, a Conservation Area and adjacent to an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and SPA (Special Protection Area - Ancient Woodland), all of which make development complicated.
Design was a challenge and restraints including root protection areas, force creative thinking. With our experience and grounding in sustainability, we decided to be bold by suggesting a replacement dwelling to the client which would unlock greater design potential on the site.
The whole design is driven through sustainable consideration and sensitivity, with material choices sympathetic to the protected setting. The central living spaces benefit from vaulted ceilings with superior views and solar gain, highlighting that light and space are in sync.
The new Mole End is built from SIPs (structurally insulated panels) for its lightweight construction, on the existing slab. This method uses 35% less timber than traditional construction. Recycling the existing and protective slab reduces the impact of new concrete on the site and means the house could be repositioned both sideways and forward. This allows us to form a new landscaped front access, and an entrance located centrally rather than on the side as before.
Our feature material chosen for the central section is Corten Steel, also used on National Trust buildings for its autumnal assimilation within tree-scapes. This is combined with timber cladding which weathers beautifully over time.
These elements fully work the design to the best of the site’s attributes, as the original architect had done back in the 60’s. Mole End showcases how new homes can be built in protected areas of such beauty, with only positive impact.
- Creative use of Corten steel and timber cladding
- Design focused on site attributes to negate constraints
- Sustainable circular construction
- Vaulted ceilings
- Air Source Heat Pump, powered with PV array
- Re-use existing Slate tiles
“Mole End is a super project, in a location of many highly protected designations. Such designations meant that our design team worked hard to make each element of the project earn its place. The new Mole End is well considered and sits seamlessly in this amazing location”. Arron Breedon, Planning Director, Clear Architects
Detail
The central living spaces benefit from vaulted ceilings with superior views and solar gain, highlighting that light and space are in sync.
These elements fully work the design to the best of the site’s attributes, as the original architect had done back in the 60’s. Mole End showcases how new homes can be built in protected areas of such beauty, with only positive impact.
“Mole End is a super project, in a location of many highly protected designations. Such designations meant that our design team worked hard to make each element of the project earn its place. The new Mole End is well considered and sits seamlessly in this amazing location”. Arron Breedon, Planning Director, Clear Architects
Carbon impact
The removal of the original thermally inefficient building (run on oil), and replacement with our new energy efficient design, reduces the properties carbon impact through day to day running. The replacement to the oil heating system uses an array of solar panels to charge a battery system which is used to power the air source heat pump, leading to minimal energy consumption, which highlights its green credentials.
The re-use of materials such as the concrete slab and slate roofing tiles result in materials being used twice in their lifetime.
Energy Rating band moved from F to A!
Carbon impact
The removal of the original thermally inefficient building (run on oil), and replacement with our new energy efficient design, reduces the properties carbon impact through day to day running. The replacement to the oil heating system uses an array of solar panels to charge a battery system which is used to power the air source heat pump, leading to minimal energy consumption, which highlights its green credentials.
The re-use of materials such as the concrete slab and slate roofing tiles result in materials being used twice in their lifetime.
Energy Rating band moved from F to A!
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