Luke Richards 14060019 PS1 Portfolio by lukerichards101

EDGELEY MASTERPLAN & LOCATION PLAN

NEWLY REGENERATED CASTLE

PRECEDENT STUDY

HOUSING SCHEME PRECEDENT STUDY

Goldsmith StreetNorwich, UK

Alison Brooks Architects, & Maccreanor Lavington

The plot is well used and creates a balanced between private and public spaces. Houses orientation allow natural sunlight to all the houses, and car parking is allocated on

1. The scheme demonstrates design elements that allow it to be well connected to the context. Low fencing allows for views to be maintained with the appropriate level of privacy

2. Landscaping design allows for housing to provide natural surveillance, making the green space feel safe and ensuring

1. The scheme demonstrates design elements that allow it to be well connected to the context. Low fencing allows for views to be maintained with the appropriate level of privacy provided by trees.

2. Landscaping design allows for housing to provide natural surveillance, making the green space feel safe and ensuring it is well used. Trees along the edges provide a soft boundary between public and semi public spaces.

Denser trees acts as a boundary Larger trees in wider links, reinforces green link throughout the scheme

1. The scheme demonstrates design elements that allow it to be well connected to the context. Low fencing

views to be maintained with the appropriate level of privacy provided by trees.

PRECEDENT STUDY

The 4 bedroom house is designed for 6 people, and it is spread over 3 floor, with 170m2. The bedrooms are slightly larger compared to the minimum requirements, however have only one bathroom. The plan layouts are simple, similar to the traditional English one.

Environmental Strategy

The scheme meets Passivhaus standards, with high energy performance, with over 60cm external wall thickness. The windows are than the proportion in a Georgian or Victorian terrace, so the architects have used a set-back panel around the windows to give an enlargement feel. The rooftops are positioned at 15 degrees to maximise solar gain and ensure all houses have direct sunlight, and each house is facing south to maximise solar gain.

GOLDSMITH STREET, NORWICH, ENGLAND by MIKHAIL RICHES with CATHY HAWLEY ACCORDIA, CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND by FEILDEN CLEGG BRADLEY STUDIOS

The design seeks to re-introduce streets and houses in an area of the city which is otherwise dominated by

comprises of 105 terraced dwellings, 45 houses and 60 flats, designed to be an affordable high-density alternative to apartment blocks. Each home faces south to maximise solar gain and is designed with practical detailing that

by greenery through the existing trees and green space. The scheme includes 100,000 plants, 35 different varieties of fruit trees and bushes and 700 mature tree. The idea of creating a “city within a garden” is evident

The plot is well used and creates a balanced between private and public spaces. Houses orientation allow natural sunlight to all the houses, and car parking is allocated on

The design seeks to re-introduce streets and houses in an area of the city which is otherwise dominated by The housing development comprises of 105 terraced dwellings, 45 houses and 60 flats, designed to be an affordable high-density alternative to apartment blocks. Each home faces south to maximise solar gain and is designed with practical detailing that The plot is well used and creates a balanced between private and public spaces. Houses orientation allow natural sunlight to all the houses, and car parking is allocated on

elements that allow it

Communal Public Space Between Housing

The idea to “Let the children play” was brought through in this project by providing these pedestrianised communal areas between the houses. Natural surveillance is maintained through the house frontages onto these spaces which makes them suitable as play areas for children.

Materiality Light brick colour which is consistent throughout the housing is complimented by greenery through the existing trees and green space. The scheme includes 100,000 plants, 35 different varieties of fruit trees and bushes and 700 mature tree. The idea of creating a “city within a garden” is evident throughout the scheme.

Low fencing allows for appropriate level of privacy housing to provide natural feel safe and ensuring provide a soft boundary spaces.

Goldsmith Street - Norwich, UK

Four Bedroom Long Courtyard House (FCBS07)

Accordia - Cambridge, UK

Goldsmith Street - Norwich, UK

Four Bedroom Long Courtyard House (FCBS07)

Goldsmith

- Norwich,

MASTERPLAN DESIGN & STREET VIEWS

RESIDENTIAL BLOCK DESIGN

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

Parking provision to the south of the site in order to minimise impact on site and maximise green space.

Green landscaped communal garden is located to the north of the site in order to maximise the levels of sunlight it can receive.

Prevailing westerly winds provide opportunity for methods of natural ventilation

Summer (a.m.) Winter (a.m.)

Summer (noon) Winter (noon) Aerial isometric of proposed masterplan

Summer (p.m.) Winter (p.m.)

MATERIALITY & LANDSCAPE

GREEN LINK DESIGN STRATEGY

• The green link runs along the south side of all 4 residential blocks, and is one long shared space, comprised of a herringbone pattern.

• Private road - only residents may drive along this street.

SHARED STREET DESIGN STRATEGY

• The shared street between the two neighbouring residential blocks is also a shared space, providing parallel parking spaces and a space for pedestrians with minimal traffic.

Square block pavers are used for the pavements, to demarcate the pedestrian area from the road.

A herringbone brick pattern is used for the road and shared spaces, chosen for its robustness and to be visually distinct from the pavement.

Decomposed granite is used for the walkways and paths within the courtyard.

PARKING,

CYCLING, REFUSE & DESIGN STRATEGY

EXISTING & PROPOSED HOUSING TYPOLOGIES

Terraced with dormer window Standard terrace

Terraced with bay windows

- Victorian design language

- gable ends

- tight, cramped alleyways

- vehicle focused streets

- privacy concerns

+ contemporary design

+ modern design technology

+ landscaped streets

+ communal shared spaces

+ privacy & security

Standard terraced house

Corner terraced house Mews house

The standard terrace blocks have an area of 7m x 10m, and have a garden to the rear of the house.

The terraces have a traditional back garden which faces onto the courtyard communal garden.

The corner blocks have a roof garden instead of a garden at ground floor level, due to space restrictions.

The mews houses have built in parking at ground floor level, and a roof garden.

HOUSING DESIGN GUIDELINES

The plot for this project will be a standard terraced house.

The corner terrace must have at least 1/3 of its roof area as outdoor amenity space

The standard terraced house can have an optional pitched roof at a 25° pitch

DESIGN RULES

The mews houses have a roof garden and an integrated parking space on ground floor.

STREET ELEVATIONS

This plot is the one which will be designed in this portfolio.

Front Elevation A

(1:200 @ A3)

Front Elevation B (1:200 @ A3)

Rear Elevation C

(1:200 @ A3)

Site Plan

(1:1000 @ A3)

CLIENT BRIEF DEVELOPMENT

“A 30 year old couple with one toddler.”

“The husband is a chef who runs a burrito van at local food fairs. He needs to prep food for the burrito business at home.”

Marco is a chef who runs a burrito van at Castle Street food fairs, working very flexible hours

he prepares food for the burrito van at home and requires a large, hygienic kitchen with ample storage and preparation space

they also grow their own vegetables in a greenhouse at home to use in the food van. They primarily grow chillies, onions and peppers

the couple like to entertain, and host dinner parties, requiring a big kitchen/dining space

the kitchen needs to be the primary architectural focus of the house, with a strong sense of hierarchy and prominence

food truck must be close by, with easy access to the kitchen, store and greenhouse

Marco & Alice have decided to purchase this plot

for a more stable income, Alice is a teacher who teaches physics at Stockport Academy, which is only a 6 minute cycle ride away

she requires a home study in order to store school books and complete marking on the weekends

the couple require space to look after Emma, their 2 year old daughter. They drop her off at a nursery when they are both at work

she is also an avid reader, and has an extensive collection of books related to physics and science in her home office

because Emma is young and will grow up in this world, Marco & Alice are very environmentally concious, so the building should be very sustainable where possible

she requires some form of play space, which can in time be incorporated into the bedroom as she outgrows it

Emma attends pre-school while her parents are at work, and Alice provides extra tuition and activities to continue her education

the house needs to be able to adapt to Emma’s needs as she grows older, into a teenager and an adult

Alice, 31 from Manchester, UK Emma, 2 Marco, 30 from Cancún, Mexico

CLIENT ROUTINES

On weekends, the family often visit the park or go out for a walk

Marco has more flexible hours, and often drops Emma off at pre-school before heading to Castle Street to sell burritos

Alice spends most of her weekdays teaching, and has a very strict routine for work

He sometimes has to make supply runs, but as he lives so close, this is not a big problem!

The family will then all cook together, and Emma will help with small tasks, or help with baking.

There is always time to play with and spend time with Emma, whether this be in her bedroom, the lounge or the garden.

... while the children have a playdate upstairs

Family friends will visit, who have children of their own. The adults will have a dinner party...

Marco loves cooking, and takes pleasure in cooking meals for the whole family in the evenings.

Once Emma has been put to bed, Marco and Alice can relax, watch TV and unwind.

SPACES, CONNECTIONS & SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS

Lounge needs views out, large windows and natural light. It would benefit from a connection to the kitchen and garden, be it physical or visual.

DINING ROOM

The master bedroom requires an ensuite, and but does not need to be a big space, as the parents will spend most of their time downstairs.

(Total > 24m2)

Garden needs space for a greenhouse, to grow vegetables, and incorporates the bin and bicycle store.

Kitchen is to be a significant architectural feature of the house. It will need to be double volume in order to make it a focal point, but also to incorporate the necessary service infrastructure.

The stair well is to become another architectural focal point. A sculptural staircase will provide vertical circulation within an atrium or lightwell.

Emma’s bedroom must be flexible, to adapt to her lifestyle as she grows up. More privacy is required, so upper floor rooms have smaller windows.

Minimum floor area requirements are shown in red.

KITCHEN

LOUNGE

ENSUITE (2.5m2)

GARDEN

STAIRS

PARKING

SPLIT LEVEL CONCEPT DESIGN

Split level form provides a habitable space within the roof void.

Floor levels of adjacent houses to be maintained in front half of house to ensure the facade is aligned properly.

THIRD FLOOR

Vertical circulation within a central core.

Bathroom oriented to the rear of the house so that the plumbing and water infrastructure stack throughout the building.

CHILD’S BEDROOM

SECOND FLOOR

Emma’s bedroom faces east to catch morning sunlight.

FIRST FLOOR

Kitchen oriented to back of house to be close to greenhouse and garden.

GROUND FLOOR

SPLIT LEVEL HOUSE, PHILADELPHIA, USA

Lead Architect

Contractor

Structural Engineer

Project Year

Project Area

Stair Fabrication

Cabinetry

Qb3 Design

McCoubrey Overholser, Inc.

The Kachele Group

2009

279m2

Bill Curran Design

James Van Etten

Lounge space overlooks the kitchen, giving a visual separation as well as a connection, and domestic spaces are upstairs out of sight.

Open design allows for extensive daylighting and strong design language maintains connections between spaces on different floors.

Vertical circulation is handled in one stair core, which doubles as a light well.

Floor plan is more compartmentalised on upper floors, with bedrooms and bathrooms.

Open plan living spaces provide ample daylighting and flexibility of space.

SKETCH SCHEME - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Open spaces on lower floors have larger windows.

Private spaces on upper floors have smaller windows to create a dynamic and visually distinct facade.

Kitchen at rear in order to be adjacent to the allotments in the garden.

Floor levels staggered at the rear of the building to provide habitable roof space for bedroom and privacy for bedrooms.

Small amounts of storage are built into the underside of the stair and the area below the split level floor above

Small study sits on the first split level space, accessed from the half landing The house includes a small guest bedroom, in case family members or friends come to visit.

Kitchen and dining room to share same design language and to merge into one continuous space Lounge to overlook the kitchen and double volume, retaining views to garden through double height windows

Emma’s bedroom must be able to adapt into a room for a future adult, so it is shown here as an adult’s bedroom.

The master bedroom also contains an ensuite bathroom

Building levels remain consistent with street on this side in order to match the rest of the terraced housing scheme.

CHILD’S BEDROOM MASTER BEDROOM

The master bedroom is contained in the loft, and the split level design makes this space habitable

The void runs all the way through the house, and can contain long lighting features to create an atrium above the kitchen

The scheme contains a large lightwell which includes a sculptural staircase as a central circulation core.

1:100 FLOOR PLANS

Designated bicycle and bin store

Large industrial fridge/freezer units in void beneath split-level first floor provides adequate storage for the business supplies.

Lightwell continues all the way from roof to ground floor, providing natural daylighting into the kitchen and providing passive stack effect ventilation.

AXONOMETRIC FLOOR PLANS

Marco can grow crops for the food truck business in the greenhouse, which is connected to the rainwater pipe for harvesting and irrigation.

The kitchen has 1.5x the ceiling height of any other room in the house, giving it an unmistakable dominance.

are protected in accordance with Approved Document B section 2.5

The parents get the loft bedroom as they only ever really use it to sleep, whereas Emma is more likely to spend more hours of the day in her room as she gets older.

bedroom has a higher ceiling and contains a small mezzanine play area. This can be removed or converted into a study space when she grows older.

Emma’s

Greenhouse

Study WC Snug Entrance Lobby

Protected Stair

Section B (1:50 @ A3)

A B

Front Elevation A (1:50 @ A3)

Rear Elevation B (1:50 @ A3)

EXTERNAL VISUALS

View from street looking north, showing existing Victorian houses and food truck parking location

View from courtyard looking towards rear of house

View from garden looking at greenhouse, decking and bicycle/bin store Night render of the street looking north

View from street looking towards main facade

INTERNAL VISUALS

View from dining room looking towards stair, kitchen and garden

View of lounge showing window to kitchen and garden

View from kitchen looking towards sculptural stair

View of Emma’s bedroom showing mezzanine

View from kitchen showing lightwell

STREET SECTIONS

Street Section looking North (1:100 @ A3)

Street Section looking South (1:100 @ A3)

CONSTRUCTION AXONOMETRIC

MASTERPLAN CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE

Existing site, with Edgeley Park Stadium, home of Stockport County Football Club, and existing Victorian terraced houses on Clwyd Avenue & Hardcastle Road. Sykes Reservoir is located to the south of the site.

The existing perimeter block of Victorian terraced housing on Clwyd Avenue is also to be demolished. The site is to be excavated to prepare for the new road network, with pipework and electrical infrastructure to be installed beneath the roads.

Edgeley Park is to be demolished, Stockport County will move to their new stadium, and the land beneath the stadium to be remediated, ready for the new masterplan to be constructed on top.

Hard and soft landscaping to be completed, with the four new perimeter blocks to be constructed on top simultaneously.

CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE

Exterior landscaping finished, site excavated, concrete foundations cast in-situ.

Blockwork party wall built up, cladding support structure erected with scaffolding, roof ventilation cavity installed.

Load-bearing insulation installed on concrete upstand, timber structure erected above.

Pre-fabricated metal frames installed with glazing, waterproof membrane overlaps tucked into metal frame to complete weather-proofing envelope.

Insulation installed between timber frame of building and between floor joists to complete thermal envelope.

Timber cladding, render and roof tiles installed to complete facade. Flooring structure to be laid ready for floor finishes, completing first fixing.

Airtight waterproof membrane installed above OSB board layer with additional material left to wrap into metal frames.

Neighbouring properties to be completed simultaneously to complete street. Internal walls erected and floor finishes laid. Second fixing to be completed.

RIBA PLAN OF WORK 2020

Design & Build contract for project to be managed by property developer who will run the entire site.

Stage Boundaries:

Stages 0-4 will generally be undertaken one after the other.

The RIBA Plan of Work organises the process of briefing, designing, delivering, maintaining, operating and using a building into eight stages. It is a framework for all disciplines on construction projects and should be used solely as guidance for the preparation of detailed professional services and building contracts.

Week

Stage Outcome at the end of the stage

Stages 4 and 5 will overlap in the Project Programme for most projects.

Strategic Definition

Stage Outcome at the end of the stage The best means of achieving the Client Requirements confirmed

PROJECT

Client Requirements

Feasibility Studies & Site Surveys

Stage 5 commences when the contractor takes possession of the site and finishes at Practical Completion

Stage 6 starts with the handover of the building to the client immediately after Practical Completion and finishes at the end of the Defects Liability Period

The best means of achieving the Client Requirements confirmed

1 Preparation and Briefing

2 Concept Design

3 Spatial Coordination

4 Technical Design

5 Manufacturing and Construction

6 Handover

Projects span from Stage 1 to Stage 6; the outcome of Stage 0 may be the decision to initiate a project and Stage 7 covers the ongoing use of the building.

Project Brief approved by the client and confirmed that it can be accommodated on the site

Architectural Concept approved by the client and aligned to the Project Brief

Architectural and engineering information Spatially Coordinated

All design information required to manufacture and construct the project completed

7 Use

Initial Masterplan Design

Residential Block Design

Core Tasks during the stage

Client Brief Development

Stage 6 starts with the handover of the building to the client immediately after Practical Completion and finishes at the end of the Defects Liability Period

Core Tasks during the stage

Initial House Design

Submit Planning Applications

Project Strategies might include: – Conservation (if applicable)

Cost

Developed House Design Agree Final Design

Stage 7 starts concurrently with Stage 6 and lasts for the life of the building.

Fire Safety – Health and Safety

Inclusive Design

Project Strategies might include:

Planning – Plan for Use

– Conservation (if applicable)

– Cost

– Procurement

Fire Safety

– Sustainability

Planning Note:

Stage 7 starts concurrently with Stage 6 and lasts for the life of the building.

Planning Note:

Demolition of Site

– Health and Safety

– Inclusive Design

Planning Applications are generally submitted at the end of Stage 3 and should only be submitted earlier when the threshold of information required has been met. If a Planning Application is made during Stage 3, a midstage gateway should be determined and it should be clear to the project team which tasks and deliverables will be required.

– Planning

See RIBA Plan of Work 2020 Overview for detailed guidance on Project Strategies

If the outcome determines that a building is the best means of achieving the Client Requirements the client proceeds to Stage 1

Prepare Client Requirements

Develop Business Case for feasible options including review of Project Risks and Project Budget

Prepare Project Brief including Project Outcomes and Sustainability Outcomes

Prepare Architectural

The brief remains “live” during Stage 2 and is derogated in response to the Architectural Concept

Undertake Design Studies

Prepare Client Requirements

Develop Business Case for feasible options including review of Project Risks and Project Budget

Ratify option that best delivers Client Requirements

Review Feedback from previous projects

Ratify option that best delivers Client Requirements

Quality Aspirations and Spatial Requirements

Undertake Feasibility Studies

Prepare Project Brief including Project Outcomes and Sustainability Outcomes

Agree Project Budget

Quality Aspirations and Spatial Requirements

Concept incorporating Strategic Engineering requirements and aligned to Cost Plan Project Strategies and Outline Specification

Engineering Analysis and Cost Exercises to test

Develop architectural and engineering technical design

Stage 4 will overlap with Stage 5 on most projects

Finalise Site Logistics

Manufacturing, construction and Commissioning completed There is no design work in Stage 5 other than responding to Site Queries

handed over, Aftercare initiated and Building Contract

Hand over building in line with Plan for Use Strategy

Planning permission granted - construction on site can begin.

Agree Project Brief Derogations

Prepare Architectural Concept incorporating Strategic Engineering requirements and aligned to Cost Plan, Project Strategies and Outline Specification

Architectural Concept resulting in Spatially Coordinated design aligned to updated Cost Plan Project Strategies and Outline Specification

Undertake Design Studies, Engineering Analysis and Cost Exercises to test

Prepare and coordinate design team Building Systems information

Develop architectural and engineering technical design

Manufacture Building Systems and construct building

Finalise Site Logistics

Undertake review of Project Performance

Hand over building in line with Plan for Use Strategy

Monitor progress against Construction Programme

Review Feedback from previous projects

Land Preparation

– Plan for Use

– Procurement

Undertake Site Appraisals

Laying of New Road Network

Drainage Infrastructure Laid

– Sustainability

See RIBA Plan of Work 2020

Pavements & Hard Landscaping

See Overview guidance

Procurement:

Overview for detailed guidance on Project Strategies

HOUSE MASTERPLAN

Estimated Completion

Core Statutory Processes during the stage:

Stage 4 Tender Drawings

Excavation of Plot

Planning

Foundations Laid

Building Regulations Health and Safety (CDM)

Timber Primary Structure

Weather-proofing

The RIBA Plan of Work is procurement neutral –

Procurement:

See Overview guidance for a detailed description of how each stage might be adjusted to accommodate the requirements of the Procurement Strategy.

Insulation

Roof Linings & Tiling

Water & Electrical Infrastructure

Timber Wall Cladding

Internal Walls

The RIBA Plan of Work is procurement neutral –

ER Employer’s Requirements

Floor Finishes and Wall Linings

See Overview guidance for a detailed description of how each stage might be adjusted to accommodate the requirements of the Procurement Strategy.

First Fixings

CP Contractor’s Proposals

Furnishings

Estimated Completion

Post Occupancy Evaluation

Occupation

No design team required for Stages 0 and

Strategic appraisal of Planning considerations

Source Site Information including Site Surveys

Undertake Feasibility Studies

Two separate planning applications will be submitted - one for the landscape and highway works and another for the individual house.

Agree Project Budget

Prepare Project Execution Plan

Prepare Project Programme

Source Site Information including Site Surveys

Undertake Site Appraisals No design team required for Stages 0 and 1. Client advisers may be appointed to the client team to provide strategic advice and design thinking before Stage 2 commences.

Prepare Project Programme

Prepare Project Execution Plan

Undertake Design Reviews with client and Project Stakeholders

Agree Project Brief Derogations

Prepare stage Design Programme

Initiate Change Control Procedures

Prepare stage Design Programme

Undertake Design Reviews with client and Project Stakeholders

Prepare stage Design Programme

Option: submit outline

Source pre-application Planning Advice

Initiate collation of health and safety Pre-construction Information

Obtain pre-application Planning Advice

Architectural Concept resulting in Spatially Coordinated design aligned to updated Cost Plan Project Strategies and Outline Specification

Prepare and integrate specialist subcontractor Building Systems information

Prepare and coordinate design team Building Systems information

Inspect Construction Quality

Manufacture Building Systems and construct building

Resolve Site Queries as required

Prepare stage Design Programme

Prepare and integrate specialist subcontractor Building Systems information

Initiate Change Control Procedures

Prepare stage Design Programme

Specialist subcontractor designs are prepared and reviewed during Stage 4

The construction of the houses will begin once the new road network and infrastructure are in place.

Agree route to Building Regulations compliance Option: submit outline Planning Application Review design against Building Regulations Prepare and submit Planning Application

Undertake seasonal Commissioning

Rectify defects

Monitor progress against Construction Programme

Undertake Commissioning of building

Complete initial Aftercare tasks including light touch Post Occupancy Evaluation Implement Facilities Management and Asset Management Undertake Post Occupancy Evaluation of building performance in use

Inspect Construction Quality

Prepare Building Manual

Prepare stage Design Programme

Resolve Site Queries as required

Undertake review of Project Performance

Undertake seasonal Commissioning

Verify Project Outcomes including Sustainability Outcomes

Rectify defects

Complete initial Aftercare tasks including light touch Post Occupancy Evaluation Implement Facilities Management Asset Management Undertake Post Evaluation of performance

Verify Project including Sustainability Outcomes

Undertake Commissioning of building

Building handover tasks bridge Stages 5 and 6 as set out in the Plan for Use Strategy

Prepare Building Manual

Specialist subcontractor designs are

and reviewed during Stage 4

Submit Building Regulations Application

Discharge precommencement Planning Conditions

Prepare Construction Phase Plan

Submit form F10 to HSE if applicable

Strategy

Stage 4 information can be released during the early construction stages in order to accelerate the construction process

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

HEATING & COOLING STRATEGY

Natural ventilation caused by stack effect, with the east-west prevailing winds causing the lightwell to double up as a chimney, sucking hot air through the building

Heating in colder months provided by underfloor heating pipes between the floor joists

Tilt & turn windows allow for ventilation without risk of falling, and also allow for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Operable louvres within internal walls allow cross breezes to pass through the entire room and out into the central core.

Skylights and underfloor heating are operated electronically via a control panel in the kitchen.

Mechanical ventilation is only used for above the kitchen stove, due to the high levels of steam and smoke.

A small irrigation pipe leads from the rainwater downpipe to the greenhouse, with the rest of the rainwater leading to the main storm drain

Underfloor heating pipes within aluminium tray between floor joists

LIGHTWELL - DAYLIGHTING STRATEGY

In winter, the low angle of the sun will be blocked by the building over the road, but the lightwell and internal windows will help to illuminate the lower floors.

Lightwell allows summer sun to reflect off of internal surfaces and will bring sunlight deep into the building.

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

DAYLIGHTING ANALYSIS: SEFAIRA

Energy efficient equipment & lighting, strong air-tightness and lots of thermal insulation means the building’s primary energy usage will be for heating the building, given the local climate.

Bedrooms are welllit, and are fitted with blinds to avoid morning light from the east.

Lounge, dining area and kitchen are extremely well-lit.

COSTING, JUSTIFICATION & VALUE ENGINEERING

Advantages of timber construction

• Timber frame construction has the lowest CO2 emissions of all commercial building methods

• For every cubic metre of timber used in place of other building materials, an estimated 0.8 tonnes of CO2 is saved from entering the atmosphere.

• Even considering transportation to site, timber construction is virtually carbonneutral, given that forests are huge CO2 sinks, and new trees are planted to replace those harvested for building material.

• At the end of its life, timber buildings are easier to disassemble and demolish than other building materials, and can largely be recycled.

• On average, timber frame houses cost a similar amount to concrete or masonry houses, so it makes the most sense environmentally for the client to pursue a timber house.

Where else can costs be saved?

• The project contains no photovoltaic panels or other localised energy sources. In a climate such as Stockport’s, where it is largely overcast, and with a roof which faces east-west, photovoltaic panels are not a cost-effective measure in this scenario.

• Other solutions, such as geothermal heating/cooling, are laborious to install in such a small site and prohibitively expensive. Instead, the project opts for a ‘low-tech’ solution.

• Passive ventilation, as seen in the environmental strategy, helps by reducing the need for mechanical ventilation or other such apparatus such as fans to keep the spaces cool and well ventilated.

• Some items, such as underfloor heating pipework, could be substituted for standard radiators, should the project come in over budget or if costs need to be lowered.

Heating dominated sounds bad but isn’t - it just means that the majority of the energy the building does use is used to heat the house in the colder months. The thick insulation will help to keep this heat in the house, attributing to the low overall energy usage.

Sefaira analysis of the building reports very low energy usage, meaning that Marco & Alice are getting the sustainable home they dream of.

Affects on costing

• Timber frame construction allows for much thicker levels of thermal insulation within the external walls without increasing the overall thickness of the wall. This means more internal space alongside increased thermal performance.

• Investing in thicker 200mm insulation and low-e triple glazing now will increase the overall project cost, and therefore the price of the house - but this is justified by a lifetime of lower energy costs, bills and environmental impact.

• While the materials may cost more, there is no need for specialist labourers such as bricklayers; resulting in a much faster and cheaper construction process on site with less environmental impact.

The orientation of the building does not lend itself towards photovoltaic panels, as none of the pitched roof is oriented south.

BUILDING REGULATIONS

DOCUMENT K: STAIR DESIGN

Excerpt from Part K: Table regarding suitable rises and goings of private stairs

Top of stair guarding forms balustrade for final flight of stairs, as per Approved Document K, section 1.34 (b).

50mm handrails on one side, attached to external wall or frame of glass screen

ONLINE VERSION

B1

Excerpt from Part B:

Diagram of protected stair requirements for 3-storey buildings