Cotswolds Annex
This is an ambitious project to create an exemplary low-energy annexe or small house on the edge of the famous Cotswolds AONB. Our client is a growing family living and working in the heart of the region who were looking for architects close to the Cotswolds and with a strong sustainability philosophy.
A number of design measures will enable this building to have minimal impact on its environment. It will be built using locally sourced low-carbon materials such as Cotswold stone to minimise transportation costs and support the local economy. To ensure energy efficiency when in use, the annexe will incorporate solar electricity generation, an air-source heat pump, triple-glazed windows and insulation made from recycled materials. These elements will help to reduce energy consumption in use as well as lowering the ‘embodied carbon‘ footprint of the building.
Water conservation will be achieved through rainwater harvesting systems, which collect water for use in irrigation and flushing toilets. Additionally, low-flow plumbing fixtures and water-efficient appliances reduce water consumption and minimise wastewater production, while rainwater is disposed of on-site, avoiding the risk of overloading municipal sewage systems.
To ensure a healthy indoor environment the annexe incorporates non-toxic building materials which complement the building’s super-insulation and low energy heating. These features help to maintain good air quality and minimise exposure to harmful chemicals, while keeping the building cool in the summer and efficiently heating it in the winter.
The building is approximately 110 square metres in floor area and replaces a disused farm outbuilding rather than occupying ‘greenfield’ land. This ensures that the valuable biodiversity and habitat of the site is not reduced.
Client: Private client
Project Type: Newbuild
Location: Gloucestershire
Status: Technical Design
