They Made Their Home Bigger and Still Cut the Energy Bill by 75 Percent

Homes We Love: Every single day we characteristic a exceptional area submitted by our group of architects, designers, builders, and owners. Have one to share? Publish it right here.

Challenge Particulars:

Location: Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

Modular Timber Wall Provider: U-Construct

Photographer: Jim Stephenson / @clickclickjim

From the Architect: “This mission achieves a 75 % discount in vitality payments regardless of a 27 % enhance within the dwelling’s footprint. Constructed utilizing Studio Bark’s modular U-Construct system, the design enabled the purchasers to take a hands-on, self-build strategy to reworking their dwelling.

“Untouched for 50 years, the unique home was chilly, damp, and poorly configured for a younger household with two babies. The owners, Colin and Grace, got down to create a heat, low-energy dwelling that preserved the property’s historic character whereas supporting fashionable household life. They envisioned an area that felt joyful, related, and welcoming. Studio Bark responded with a whole-house retrofit and addition of a 540-square-foot rear extension, constructed by the purchasers themselves utilizing U-Construct modular timber blocks. The brand new area options a big kitchen-diner, utility, pantry (designed round a sentimental inherited dresser), and a brand new aspect entrance.

“A dramatic triple-height atrium varieties the center of the house, creating connection between zones with out compromising privateness. Positioned on the junction between previous and new, the vertical area is wrapped by the unique Victorian staircase and topped with skylights. A assured design strategy reveals unique options whereas introducing new supplies and playful interventions. Victorian particulars—architraves, plasterwork, and timber flooring—have been rigorously restored, sitting in distinction with pure cork cladding, uncovered spruce plywood, and a muted, heat colour palette chosen by the purchasers. The interiors mirror a way of resourcefulness all through. Reupholstered furnishings, bespoke joinery, and salvaged items join the previous with the current.

“A complete-house retrofit strategy has dramatically improved Meadow Highway’s environmental efficiency. Studio Bark upgraded the constructing’s thermal envelope with pure, low-carbon supplies—together with cork, wooden fiber, and sheep wool—to make sure breathability, airtightness, and moisture regulation. Mixed with the brand new skylights and zoned spatial design, these measures improve consolation and daylight all through the house. Operational carbon was minimize by 68 % by means of the mixing of a mechanical air flow warmth restoration (MVHR) system, underfloor heating, and an air supply warmth pump.”