Houzz Tour: An architect built a beautiful Eco Haven for his relatives - When his parents told him they wanted to build a comfortable and modern house for retirement, Sam Cooper jumped at the opportunity to help. "They had always bought and restored historic buildings," says Cooper. "In fact, the house they lived and where I spent my adolescence was a Georgian listed house."
After a large amount of land hunting and searching, they finally decided to build the house on the same site as this period property. Cooper has designed them a beautiful, practical and durable home that became its draft manifesto to prove that "sustainable could be sexy. "
After a large amount of land hunting and searching, they finally decided to build the house on the same site as this period property. Cooper has designed them a beautiful, practical and durable home that became its draft manifesto to prove that "sustainable could be sexy. "
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Houzz A look [19459013[] [] Who lives here [(architect'sparents)[] [] Location [[] property A split-level [1945900119459012 A retired couple 19459001 19459012 Blackheath, London 19459001, zero-carbon new build
Size 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Architect Sam Cooper E2 architecture Interiors
Photography Alexander James
This building of two levels gave parents of architect Sam Cooper a comfortable and easy life, with lower bills and features pre- designed to see them through retirement. "We have already designed for an elevator in the building," he said. "My parents really like and I was really touched when I recently asked my mother what she would change -. His answer was" nothing ""
The house is built on a slope with an inclination of three meters from the rear to the front. Rough Purbeck limestone seems to rise off the ground and reflects other stones in the garden.
"It is a building of contrasts" , Cooper said. "While the lower floor is textured and earthy, the upper levels are net and Monochrome." Likewise, the walls of the lower floor level are solid with glazing fills, while the upper floor is to Conversely, and windows opening consists dotted with a few solid walls.
Size 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Architect Sam Cooper E2 architecture Interiors
Photography Alexander James
This building of two levels gave parents of architect Sam Cooper a comfortable and easy life, with lower bills and features pre- designed to see them through retirement. "We have already designed for an elevator in the building," he said. "My parents really like and I was really touched when I recently asked my mother what she would change -. His answer was" nothing ""
The house is built on a slope with an inclination of three meters from the rear to the front. Rough Purbeck limestone seems to rise off the ground and reflects other stones in the garden.
"It is a building of contrasts" , Cooper said. "While the lower floor is textured and earthy, the upper levels are net and Monochrome." Likewise, the walls of the lower floor level are solid with glazing fills, while the upper floor is to Conversely, and windows opening consists dotted with a few solid walls.
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"We looked for other areas to a site, but nothing was appropriate," Cooper said. "My parents initially rejected the idea of building a new home here, as they were passionate listed building they had helped to restore. "
the site was also full of trees, which would have made it difficult to build. But when an old tree in the center of the grounds became ill and had to be removed, he released space and presented them the opportunity to build their home here.
However, it was important building mounted in space and does not overshadow the Georgian house. The split-level property uses the slope to keep it at a low level, and consists of two L shapes that interlock simple.
Cooper had accumulated a lot of knowledge about the house and its surroundings over the years, and combined this with computer modeling technology to map where each part of the house should go. The terrace, for example, gets the most sun in the summer and windy too.
Read expert advice on how to install a green roof
the site was also full of trees, which would have made it difficult to build. But when an old tree in the center of the grounds became ill and had to be removed, he released space and presented them the opportunity to build their home here.
However, it was important building mounted in space and does not overshadow the Georgian house. The split-level property uses the slope to keep it at a low level, and consists of two L shapes that interlock simple.
Cooper had accumulated a lot of knowledge about the house and its surroundings over the years, and combined this with computer modeling technology to map where each part of the house should go. The terrace, for example, gets the most sun in the summer and windy too.
Read expert advice on how to install a green roof
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the building is designed to be comfortable all year. For example, t o the east of the property is a timber, which is the coolest part of the site. "They can make the most of it by opening windows there and pulling in fresh air," says Cooper. "At the same time, they can open the roof lights to let out hot air."
The full-height doors to the terrace are triple glazed and sliding super-insulation. They are supervised by a fixed canopy-louvre, known as shading , which protects the glass top sun of summer and allows low winter sun to shine in.
"The white horizontal lines of shading continue the theme of contrasts," says the architect. "They are the opposite of vertical panels of black wood."
Triple glazing, frameless windows Sky-Frame.
The full-height doors to the terrace are triple glazed and sliding super-insulation. They are supervised by a fixed canopy-louvre, known as shading , which protects the glass top sun of summer and allows low winter sun to shine in.
"The white horizontal lines of shading continue the theme of contrasts," says the architect. "They are the opposite of vertical panels of black wood."
Triple glazing, frameless windows Sky-Frame.
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a simple automatic sliding gate with vertical slats chestnut provides some screening. "Passers-by can not see in a oblique angle, but as they walk past, they can catch a view," says Cooper.
Here, an overview of its peers on the roof ranked behind the small pavilion level. "elevated trees used to block that view, but we have now opened up," says Cooper.
Here, an overview of its peers on the roof ranked behind the small pavilion level. "elevated trees used to block that view, but we have now opened up," says Cooper.
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the front door is located at the lower corner of the site. Next to the door is a room that has been designed as a studio and plumbed ready for someone to put in their own kitchenette. "It is an upside down house, with bedrooms on the lower-ground floor and the living areas upstairs," says Cooper.
Behind the gabion wall is a garden of oriental water, which takes you up the hill.
Behind the gabion wall is a garden of oriental water, which takes you up the hill.
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platforms Stepping in both metal and stone lead through the water garden. the stone areas are anchored to the ground points and landing form, while metal steps seem to float in the air. These metal stairs are industrial products from an oil platform, and open design allows the plants to grow and around them.
Visit other ecological house with a natural swimming pond
Visit other ecological house with a natural swimming pond
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the black paneling is made from chestnut and treated with a breathable black spot. "The chestnut is a British hard wood that is very durable," says Cooper.
"We originally designed sliding shutters to slide against the wood when the sun is too strong," Cooper said, "but in fact we did not need at all. "
home uses Passivhaus system with sufficient insulation, airtightness and solar gains do not require additional heating or cooling. It got high environmental accreditation Code 5, meaning it produces as much energy as it uses.
"We originally designed sliding shutters to slide against the wood when the sun is too strong," Cooper said, "but in fact we did not need at all. "
home uses Passivhaus system with sufficient insulation, airtightness and solar gains do not require additional heating or cooling. It got high environmental accreditation Code 5, meaning it produces as much energy as it uses.
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Here, Cooper parents are sitting in the sunniest spot on the terrace. a large table is located in the dining room to the left. "They decided against a large dining table in the open air," said Cooper. "The glass doors allow you to open the entire room, so the interior and exterior merge into one."
The lawn in the foreground isolates the roof of the rooms below, and the goblet of light on the roof works above the hallway corridor.
The lawn in the foreground isolates the roof of the rooms below, and the goblet of light on the roof works above the hallway corridor.
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one position holds the roof is made of concrete that contains a large amount of recycled materials. The concrete was left exposed so that it can provide thermal mass to help regulate the internal climate. The surface draws heat, stores it and releases slowly.
Table Zebrano veneer, customized. Chairs, Molteni & C.
Table Zebrano veneer, customized. Chairs, Molteni & C.
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the kitchen sits in the heart of the house is white with a yellow accent color. Pocket doors that cover two recessed areas open and slide back into the cabinets. The recesses are for work in disorder preparing food and dishes, so if the couple to have dinner, they can easily slide the doors closed to hide clutter. It is a clever idea for an open space like this.
The kitchen island is covered with Corian and painted houses, handheld touch drawers. The breakfast bar was cast in the same concrete that was used for the pillar. The kitchen designer made a negative cast formwork on the unit and the manufacturer in stone. "It was a scary moment for the builder," Cooper recalls, "because he had to get it right the first time."
steam oven, Gaggenau. About a stool AAS38 stools sledges by Hee Welling Hay.
The kitchen island is covered with Corian and painted houses, handheld touch drawers. The breakfast bar was cast in the same concrete that was used for the pillar. The kitchen designer made a negative cast formwork on the unit and the manufacturer in stone. "It was a scary moment for the builder," Cooper recalls, "because he had to get it right the first time."
steam oven, Gaggenau. About a stool AAS38 stools sledges by Hee Welling Hay.
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LED lights have been fitted throughout reduce demand for energy. They are controlled centrally from a home management system, which makes the whole work from home more effectively.
for example, a weather station attached know the light that is outside and also detects whether someone is in the room. owners can remotely control the system from their phones and it is possible to turn the whole house when they leave. "With this system, you probably save an extra 5% or 10% in energy consumption," says Cooper.
Suspensions, Tom Kirk Lighting.
for example, a weather station attached know the light that is outside and also detects whether someone is in the room. owners can remotely control the system from their phones and it is possible to turn the whole house when they leave. "With this system, you probably save an extra 5% or 10% in energy consumption," says Cooper.
Suspensions, Tom Kirk Lighting.
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the small window behind the sink was deliberately placed to see the Japanese maple outside. When foliage is in full bloom, red shrub contrasts beautifully with the bright yellow interior, and the lights and red pendants accessories pick up the tones.
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deep purple color scheme of the master bedroom stark contrast to the bright white walls in the living areas. The feature wall here is a polished lime plaster with marble pigments, which was blotted to create a nice smooth finish.
"All the walls of the house are breathable and finished with lime products," says Cooper. "They help regulate the humidity and also suck a lot of air pollutants inside."
"All the walls of the house are breathable and finished with lime products," says Cooper. "They help regulate the humidity and also suck a lot of air pollutants inside."
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All rooms are equipped with 100% British wool carpets, but as the building is completely isolated, it was a personal choice rather than a necessity. Cooper designed the space as a blank canvas on which his interior designer mother could put her own stamp. "We often design our buildings like this, so that our customers can create their own rules," said the architect.
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the bath main bedroom has a glass door at the foot of it. a very old tree yew is located directly outside, so that he who is in the bath can relax and contemplate the dark tree branches. Each building's window was deliberately placed to frame its own distinct vision.
polished plaster walls, Plush Interiors. Eco bath Castello.
polished plaster walls, Plush Interiors. Eco bath Castello.
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A reflection pool is located on the terrace of the master bedroom. It was designed to reflect the undulations on the walls and ceiling of the bedroom. Here, the evening sun is setting wave mirror on the dark wood panels. "The effect is extremely beautiful and soothing," says the architect.
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the seating area in the living space is open plan next to a glass bridge that crosses the corridor below. the window roof floods light into the back of the room.
the yellow chair is exactly the point that wins the most sunlight throughout the year.
the yellow chair is exactly the point that wins the most sunlight throughout the year.
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Behind the living space is a fit. It has a cozy wood burning stove and a television that is on top of a concrete unit. This unit was again cast in place the manufacturer and is located in the floor and walls.
Wood stove, Morso.
Wood stove, Morso.
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in front of the wood stove are some useful shelves and comfortable seating. The room is deliberately darker and richer than the rest of the house.
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a hallway leads to the stairway entrance door. The cement wall retains the ground behind her and the natural light shines from the light roof storey on top.
To the right of the front door is solid oak ventilation panel. A stainless steel mesh woven in front of it allows it to be safely left open so that air can flow along the corridor and cool the house down. "The building is super insulated heat in winter, so therefore you need to think about ventilation in summer," says Cooper.
To the right of the front door is solid oak ventilation panel. A stainless steel mesh woven in front of it allows it to be safely left open so that air can flow along the corridor and cool the house down. "The building is super insulated heat in winter, so therefore you need to think about ventilation in summer," says Cooper.
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the staircase at the end of the corridor consists of a steel structure sweet and a glass balustrade. The solid oak treads are treated with natural oil and dark spot.
The stairs lead to a half landing with a view of an old oak tree, then new round to glimpse the sun terrace. Then you turn again to get another view of the building. "It is difficult to see from the pictures," Cooper said, "but the house has been designed in a way which allows people to take a pleasant walk through it. "
The stairs lead to a half landing with a view of an old oak tree, then new round to glimpse the sun terrace. Then you turn again to get another view of the building. "It is difficult to see from the pictures," Cooper said, "but the house has been designed in a way which allows people to take a pleasant walk through it. "
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a glass door in the corridor creates a hall project, which allows people to take off their clothes and hold the cold air in the rest of the House. A lacquered MDF starter box is attached to the wall and doubles as a seating area.
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each room on the lower floor has a different color system. The exterior ground level is higher than these rooms, so they have a view of shrubs in the forest. "The rooms have a beautiful quality of light that is filtered through the trees," says Cooper. "From time to time you will see a fox run past the window."
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another advantage of lower room floor light diffused not only looks great, but makes them pleasantly cool rooms, too.
Whether this sustainable house do you think? How would you feel about designing a home for your parents? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Whether this sustainable house do you think? How would you feel about designing a home for your parents? Share your thoughts in the comments below.