Our client was purchasing a site with existing consent to replace some old sheds with a mostly single storey house based on the same footprint. The layout of this was quite impractical and expensive to build, so we worked through some options and developed a scheme for a large two storey house with a low eaves line.
The spec included:
Planning consent was granted on first submission.
The kitchen/dining room was a real feature of the project; the client wanted this room to be the heart of the home, connecting with the views down in the valley to create real visual impact.
After looking at a number of options, we proposed a double height space with rooflights to the ridge and tie beams on show. The client was also inspired by other barn style homes and so the building’s form and materials took shape from these ideas.
Throughout the house we incorporated underfloor heating driven by an air-source hear pump and discrete solar panels on the garage roof with a battery for storing power which feeds into the house to help reduce energy costs.
The build was completed within 12 months.
Working on a sloping site was both the biggest challenge and opportunity for the design and build. Lowering the floor level helped achieve consent for the first floor but also required significant excavations and retaining walls to form the edge of the car parking. This was achieved both cost-effectively and attractively using timber sleepers and the whole site now has a terraced appearance.
The oak weatherboard and handmade tiles have quickly weathered to make the building feel a natural part of the rural landscape. The interiors are bright and generous with three bedrooms to the first floor and one ground floor suite. Discreet solar panels are included on the garage.
The result is a beautiful new home with the character and features of a traditional barn, that blends seamlessly into its rural surroundings.
The light, space and views in the double height kitchen/diner are a real highlight of the property.
“We originally explored the project with two other potential builders but what we liked about Vernacular Homes was that it was all in: planning, design, build was all managed by them, as well as contracting. I imagine that project managing and organising contractors yourself can be stressful, so having them take care of it all made everything straightforward.
“We found it really easy to work with them – right from the moment we started talking, we knew they were the people we wanted for the job. The design they came up with fitted the same footprint as the original plans but was quite different. However, they managed the process really well and made sure it got through planning. In fact, the approval went through really quickly – we bought the land in April and they started clearing the site in August.
“At the time, our son was moving out and our daughter was at university, so we wanted a home for my wife and me to live in, but that was also well set up for when people come to stay. Having a bedroom with en-suite downstairs is ideal for when either of our mothers visit, but also futureproofs the house for when we’re older.
“There were also things we wanted to incorporate, like solar tiles, that we weren’t sure would be approved due to the house being on the edge of the Ashdown Forest. However, Matthew handled everything and knew which products would work.
“They were also great with advice throughout; when it came to electrics, rather than just asking us where we wanted switches and sockets, for example, Ollie had really good ideas and suggested things like a set of spotlights down one wall in the house. It’s different to just working directly with a tradesman yourself, who might not necessarily suggest the best set-up.
“When it came to the budget, I felt that the costs were agreed in advance, so what you signed up for was what you paid. The planning was spot-on too; they were always on time and never fell behind. Even when our plans for a projector in the lounge that disappears into the ceiling when not in use posed some challenges, they took it in their stride and made sure it all worked and was compliant.
“Even now, a few years on from completing the house, they’re still around to help. For example, a piece of weatherboard fell down recently and we contacted them for advice on putting it right. Instead, they sent someone to fix it for us – even though it was five years since the house was completed. And while the tradesman was here, he asked if there was anything else we wanted looking at, which really impressed me.
“My favourite thing about the house is the kitchen because the room is so different to what most houses have. It’s the main space where people congregate and it’s lovely that it’s double aspect, light and airy.
“The whole design has made great use of the land we have. The house sits away from other properties and there are views across the field from the lounge, bedroom and kitchen.
“They were an excellent company to work with – helpful, thoughtful and the project never felt stressful. It felt like a partnership, where they were helping us achieve exactly what we wanted.”
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