Mole End
A hardworking eco-home within a naturalistic setting
A repurposed ground slab is incorporated within this sustainably designed replacement bungalow
What We Propose
Set within the New Forest National Park, Mole End is a designed but dated 1960s bungalow in great need of refurbishment and enlargement to house our clients’ growing young family.
As with all projects that are surrounded by trees, root protection areas need to be understood from the outset. As suspected from initial site analysis, the proposed extension was confirmed by our ARB consultant to be in root protection areas.
Design is a challenge, and restraints force creative thinking. With our experience and uppermost thoughts on sustainability, we reconsidered what could be achieved. Sometimes we have to be bold, and we were, by suggesting a replacement dwelling to the client. This solved the puzzle without much more expense, whilst unlocking even greater design potential on the site, which had not been previously afforded.
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Location
New Forest, Hampshire -
Size
154 square metres -
Status
Planning Approved Jul 2021 -
Cost
Undisclosed
By re-using the existing and protective slab, we could reposition the house 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, opening into vaulted central living spaces with superior views and additional sun, wrapping the sleeping spaces around which now all face onto the garden. These alterations fully work the design to the best of the site’s attributes, as the original architect had done back in the 60s.
The new Mole End is proposed to be built from SIPs (structurally insulated panels) for its lightweight construction on the existing slab, using 35% less timber than traditional construction. Heated through air source heat pump technology, powered with carefully located PVs to maximise return, and re-using the existing slate tiles. The whole design is driven through sustainable consideration and sensitivity.
The material choices externally are also sensitive to the protected setting – our feature material chosen for the central section is Corten Steel, also used on National Trust buildings for its autumnal assimilation within treescapes.
Our design pays homage to the design of yesteryear, and will be around for the next 100 years, helping the site secure its future. We hope, like our client, that our proposal helps showcase how new homes can be built in protected areas of such beauty, with only positive impact.
Mole End Design Features
- Creative use of Corten steel and timber cladding
- Design led by site constraints and levels
- Eco-home within New Forest National Park
- Vaulted ceilings
The Existing House
