Architectural Projects
The solution to this potentially ‘big ask’
project was to use Passivhaus design
standards alongside traditional site
analysis design strategies to ensure
holistic approach that all possibilities
for sustainability into account. Through detailed natural landscaping
the scheme retains and enhances the
site’s biodiversity, achieved by:
• retaining the existing native
boundary hedgerows and many
trees – providing habitat corridors
The layout of the dwelling and site was
designed, positioned and orientated
to maximise solar gain with ancillary
accommodation located to the North.
The proposal featured a large footprint
in an attempt to reflect the agricultural
nature and features of the area. • planting of a coppice an orchard we
well as numerous screen trees of
varying varieties
• provision of owl and bat boxes
around the site
With an approximate total floor space
of 430m², a ridge and eaves height
of 9.5m and 5.3m respectively, the
dwelling represents a contemporary
interpretation of a barn development,
with the materials being a mixture of
brick and timber cladding (walls) and a
combination of slate and zinc standing
seam (roof) with photovoltaic (solar
PV) to the south elevation and air
source heating and hot water.
The site, located within open
countryside, previously functioned as
agricultural land and was approved
under paragraph 79 of the National
Planning Policy Framework as being
truly innovative for the district.
Furthermore, the intended shelter
planting and the introduction of a
pond/reed bed increases and enhances
the sites biodiversity.
Established in 2011 Swann Edwards
is an architectural practice based in
Guyhirn, Wisbech.
The practice works on a huge variety
of different architectural projects
including: residential; industrial and
commercial; eco-friendly; community,
and educational schemes.
A market leader in Cambridgeshire
when it comes to environmentally
friendly and low carbon architecture,
the firm’s director, James Burton,
became a certified Passivhaus
89
designer in 2014 and designed the first
Passivhaus dwelling in the Fenlands.
The Passivhaus concept delivers ultra-
low energy buildings that focus on
conserving resources and maximising
occupancy comfort.
W: www.swannedwards.co.uk
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