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.
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 worked for us on two different occasions & projects, a small one and a bigger scale project. They were advising, helpful, great at planning, very knowledgeable and always kept us updated. I would definitely recommend!
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.
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.
Niell and team did a great job with plans and 3D graphics. As I struggle to visualise, the graphics allowed me to get a realistic image. Having Niell deal with the planning department takes away the stress and their knowledge and experience is invaluable. They were very patient as we couldn’t always make up our minds. Thanks guys, great job.