Skyview

Ongar, Essex

Simple and Striking

This simple and striking new home is an outstanding example of how good design ethos, and strong sustainability credentials can create a home with gravitas within the Green Belt

Overview

When we first met our clients they had already bought a rural plot in Essex close to where they grew up, and wanted to create a bespoke dwelling as their ‘forever’ home. Situated within the Green Belt, the plot was purchased with planning approval for a modest 3-bedroom bungalow, which had a neutral design and basic environmental credentials. Feeling that more could be achieved on the site, they approached us for some creative pizzazz.

The client is as passionate about sustainable design as we are and the whole project was driven through environmental consideration and sensitivity. Creative interplay between the site, traditional building form, and materials allowed us to create a striking, high-quality design that exists in harmony with its rural setting.

This new home incorporates vaulted ceilings and glazed openings, to maximise views of the landscape and sky throughout whilst ensuring total privacy due to the selective positioning. The house is built using sustainable SIPs construction and innovative renewable technologies to achieve a highly sustainable and comfortable home.

A connection between building and the surrounding landscape was a key client requirement along with modern family living, with clear distinction between public and private spaces.

The simple material palette of white render, Anthra zinc standing seam cladding and western red cedar timber cladding, complement the building’s simple form.

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Contemporary style building form
Considered window openings for sustainable fabric first design
Contemporary material palette of zinc, render and inserts of natural timber
Sustainable features include – SIPs construction, Attenuation tank and sewage treatment plant, Air Source Heat Pump, PV panels, Solar batteries, electric car charger

“The design and form of Skyview was shaped by the constraints around planning and drainage, and the owner’s want for a bigger, contemporary and sustainable home with a connection to the outdoors. On the inside, the interiors take on a Scandinavian theme with clean, simple lines focusing on functionality and a natural palette such as pale woods.

Skyview is an example of what can be achieved in the countryside and in other Green Belt locations. I can’t wait to see this fantastic self-build project progress on site” Ricky Glover, Creative Director

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Ongar, Essex

175 sqm

Approved

2.79

Tonnes

Carbon impact

This project is anticipated to achieve an on-site carbon reduction of 88%, far greater than the GLA’s 35% emissions reduction target. Skyview is therefore a blueprint of what can be achieved when sustainable design is at the forefront of a project. It goes a significant way towards achieving carbon-neutral status.

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