EDITORS CHOICE
" Using local craftspeople was part of a broad focus on sustainability . The house was designed with an EPC rating of A in mind ."
" From an architectural point of view , it has been a real treat to work with such experienced and dedicated craftspeople . Apart from Tristan ’ s attention to detail and very careful management and Liz ’ s tasteful and personal touches , most of the building work has been carried out by Sean and Colin the carpenters , Andy the stone mason and plasterer , Jeff the tiler , Nigel the plumber and Simon the electrician . Each carefully added their unique skills and experience to the interpretation of the architectural concept and detailed drawings .” Rob Adams , Architectural Director , Adams + Collingwood Architects
Using local craftspeople was part of a broad focus on sustainability . The house was designed with an EPC rating of A in mind . This meant concentrating on the insulation of the external fabric in order to reduce the demand for energy to heat the building . Having a third of the walling underground provided superb benefits in this respect . A ground source heat pump was installed for energy , with coils of pipework dug into the field above the house and the field then returned to a flowering meadow .
The Boathouse took two years to complete , with Tristan and Liz managing the self-build project throughout . Affordability was a driving factor from the outset . The stunning setting means that houses in the area come with eye-watering price tags . By taking the approach that they did , Liz and Tristan were able to obtain their dream home for less than the sale price of a tiny , derelict cottage just half a mile away .
Each stage of the project brought its own rewards , from the timber frame going up to the interior structure going in . Liz reflects that it felt incredible when the family were finally able to move into their dream home , after putting so much work into it .
“ As we project managed the build ourselves , it did consume our lives for a couple of years ! It was beyond amazing to actually be living in the space that we had spent so long planning every detail of . “ Adams and Collingwood held our hands throughout the whole build process – guiding us on everything from the planning stage , to Health and Safety and building regs . Most importantly , they understood our priorities for the house , and helped us realise them beautifully . We would advise anyone embarking on this journey to select an architect they can really trust . We were very fortunate with Rob , Tamsin and team at Adams + Collingwood because crucially they listened to us , and they understood how special the location was . They designed a house that not only sits beautifully within the landscape , but also functions perfectly as a family home .” Liz Stone , Owner , The Boathouse
For more information , visit www . adamscollingwood . com or call + 44 ( 0 ) 20 8735 5350 .
Image credit www . instagram . com / clickclickjim
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