In the grounds of a Grade II Listed Hall, this new multi-purpose space needed to blend in seamlessly with its surrounding. With the Client having a strong desire for sustainable construction, an intricate and detailed report was developed outlining all proposed materials, their performance, environmental impact, and justification for selection.
It was proposed to construct the external walls from Woodcrete blocks, being manufactured from waste timber and fully recyclable, these blocks had excellent thermal values and provided a cost-effective solution. Externally they would be clad with natural, sustainably sourced, stone cladding which reflected the natural limestone used on the existing building. The roof covering selected comprised a natural Zinc standing seam system, having a life expectancy of 100 years with this recyclable product beautifully reflecting the traditional lead roof on the Grade II Listed Hall. Large rooflights were introduced to help maximise natural daylight and form part of a natural ventilation system, featuring automatic opening and closing gear which could be utilised to moderate airflow and temperature.
Internally, in keeping with the sustainable design, a clay plaster render was proposed due to its natural properties and ability to promote a better indoor air quality. Having a through colour pigment finish, the need for painting was eliminated helping reduce maintenance in painting, along with negating toxins and VOCs found in paint. The structural frame was left exposed to reflect the environmentally friendly construction, comprising a Glulam portal frame. A natural cork floor was identified as the perfect floor covering, having excellent acoustic, wearing and hygienic properties making it ideal for any use of the multi-purpose space.
To further enhance the sustainability, the building was backed up by renewable technologies. Thin-film solar technology, a recent advancement in the photovoltaic industry, was proposed. These thin solar panels would lay flat between the standing seam ridges, proving unobtrusive to the eye. Internally, heating was supplied through an air source heat pump, linked to an underfloor heating system to maximise efficiency.
Neill at SRA Architecture has been amazingly professional and supportive throughout, advising on different packages to help budget effectively and offering a service that helps take away a lot of the stress and workload when doing a large renovation project.
We have been working with Niell and his team at SRA in redesigning an existing planning passed house design. We have found them to be highly efficient, offering good choice of recommendations and proposals and very easy and pleasant to work with. The brief had to take place within a short period of time and the team were very accommodating with this, especially in difficult Covid times. I would highly recommend using SRA for future plans.
I found SRA Architecture online as I was looking at purchasing a property and needed input from an Architectural Practice who knows the area. I came across these guys and I was very impressed with the amount of knowledge they had. Neill is very much approachable and goes out of his way to find out all the information, and this in turn gave me the confidence of whether to make the purchase or not – I highly recommend them.
SRA Architecture have made so much difference – we now have six parking/pull-in spaces with our own filter lane taking the school traffic away from the lane, leaving it free for the residents and through traffic including emergency vehicles.
SRA have designed new houses and building alterations on a number of projects we have tendered for and worked on over the past 20 years or so. Their plans and specifications are consistently clear and thorough and the architectural work in the construction phase has been excellent. I have found them to be one of the leading practices we have worked with throughout this time.
I have worked with quite a few architectural practices over the years, I can honestly say SRA are in the top draw category of design companies. Their designs and drawings are of a really high standard. They are thorough and methodical. Their specifications leave little to doubt which means you can precisely quote for what you are being asked to build. […] Plus they are nice people, professional and easy to work for.