The second self-build of Damon Ball, Partner of A’Bear & Ball Architects. This time his vision and drive was to achieve a future-proofed, ultra low energy and distinctive family home with ‘Passivhaus Plus’ Principles.
Traditional in form but contemporary in its detailing and fenestration, The use of vertical matchstick cladding and natural aluminium rainwater goods compliment the character and texture of the ‘chalk’ coloured render which reflect the chalk hills of White Horse Hill and local vernacular chalk building stone. The house form is broken down into wings with carefully positioned glazing that relates to the immediate views, vista's and landscape offered by the sites context. Each room contains its own ‘character’ as a result and is a delight to inhabit.
The project was delivered via a self-build route with Damon as Project Architect and Contractor. All packages of work were sub-let to local tradesman and materials locally sourced wherever possible. The project utilises Passivhaus Principles, with a highly efficient thermal fabric, incorporating ultra-high performance triple glazed windows, A Mechanical Ventilation system with Heat Recovery (MVHR), Optimised due south orientation, maximising solar gain potential, An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) for hot water and heating and an 8.4kw solar array with battery storage. The solar array and battery storage has been sized to avoid pumping excessive amounts back to the grid and has been cleverly optimised for best performance to allow the energy costs to be as low as possible. Projections are that the building will in fact cost nothing to run! Future proofed wiring and Home Automation systems have also been implemented.
The EPC rating of the building is 102 (A+) with a carbon negative impact on the environment with negative (-2 tonnes of CO2) per year predicted at the occupancy and use rate currently observed. The buildings Primary Energy Use is 5kWh/m2.