 |
ORGANIC CURVES AND ECO FRIENDLY IN STAFFORDSHIRE
Roger and Chris Billingham had lived in their previous Staffordshire house for 20 years – a large, rambling family home that, once the children had left, no longer served their needs. “With more time for leisure,” says Roger, “we started looking for a property that was low maintenance - something we could leave when we went away.” Little did they know that just a year later, their 250 year old house would be traded for a bespoke new-build, with not a whiff of retirement about it with its horseshoe shape, organic curves, modern interiors and eco-friendly features.
“So we had to choose a builder who was up to the job and had access to specialist craftsmen.” That choice turned out to be local house builder and developer Manor Park Homes, who were ultimately selected as the result of an introduction from a professional advisor.
Lichfield based Neil Boddison Associates Ltd drew up the plans. “We initially chose a V-shape,” says Roger, “but the more organic flow developed for two reasons – the first was aesthetic, and second was practical. A V-shape would have meant the house ran over the boundary line of the village. By opting for the curved shape, it allowed the house to stay ‘within the line’. The curve of the building also allows an inset balcony at the back of the house to make the most of the lovely views.”
Overseen by Site Manager Adam Turner, the build began in November 2006, utilising an established team of specialists who are equipped to take on jobs well outside of the usual remit. “It’s a joy to work with men who thoroughly consider how to tackle a project,” says Adam. “For example, on a normal build, it’s accepted that the roof could be out by 20 – 25mm by the time the timbers are laid. Our craftsmen hand-cut the beams on site, and they were literally a perfect fit. The people who came to lay the roof could not believe it as they normally have so much adjusting to do!”
Another challenging issue was how to create the curves of the house, whilst using straight steel beams. Financially, it would not have been practical to weld each beam into shape, so the problem was solved by sculpturing the plaster to round joints off where the ceiling meets the walls. Thus, the structural support is in place, but the organic curves continue to reflect the theme of the building.
To bring light inside the house, glass blocks are also a feature on the landing and in the kitchen, but again, the curves presented a challenge. A traditional builder could tackle straight walls, but to curve glass requires a specialist, and luckily, Manor Park Homes work with one of just a handful of qualified men in the whole country.
It’s obvious there is a huge sense of pride about the whole project, and this continues through to the ‘green’ elements of the build. There’s geo-thermal heating – a system of underground pipes that contain a mixture of water and liquid similar to anti-freeze. Through a heat exchange unit the water in the underfloor heating is kept at a constant temperature, which ensures the house always stays warm. And in summer, it’s set to cool, and does exactly the opposite.
There’s also an underground holding tank for rainwater, which is then recycled for use in the washing machine and in the toilets, and even the rubble from the build has been utilised to shore up the bund at the back of the garden, which is overlooked from the balcony at the back of the house.
Inside the building, the attention to detail is also evident. The flooring runs throughout, and onto the patio area, to create a flowing sense of continuity. The kitchen units are curved to continue the theme from the outside. The Douglas Fir wood has been used on everything from doors to stair posts, and the whole feel is one of care, attention and style.
However, the piéce de resistance has to be the folding glass doors. There are eight sets throughout the property, and each one opens and folds back completely, to allow a sense of freedom, light and openness. “In a way,” says Roger, “the house was designed around the doors. Once we’d chosen them there was no going back, even though I ended up spending 50% more on the doors, than I spent on my entire first house purchase in London!”
If you have a building project and would like us to give you a free estimate then please contact us on 0121 355 8444. |
|
|
