Chestnut Farm
This modern sustainable farmhouse carefully planned each element to foster dialogue and take advantage of the site. The designs were considered holistically, materials and finishes share in unity, enhancing cohesion. This crafted home provides the clients with a place to retreat and a space to celebrate their passions. The low-lying structure is clad in locally sourced untreated chestnut boards which camouflage the home in its landscape.
Turning a mud pile into an idyllic home surrounded by nature was a lengthy process that led to a fantastic result. From a 100-metre distance, the house that Jane and David Johnson built is barely visible in its wooded surroundings.
. . . Grand Designs Magazine . . .
Project Info
- Location: New Forest National Park, Hampshire
- Cost: £850,000
- Designation: AONB, National Park, Conservation Area
- Collaborators: The Joinery Barn, Helen Yardley, English Woodlands Timber, Helen Elks-Smith
- Image Credit: Richard Chivers, Richard Bloom & Sandra Van Aalst
Awards
2019 Blueprint Awards, Best Non-Public Project - Residential, Highly Commended
Environmental Data
-
Energy Efficiency
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-
Insulation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-
Thermal Mass
1
-
Airtightness
1 2 3 4 5
-
Solar PV
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-
Embodied Carbon
1 2
- Heating/Hot Water
-
Solar Thermal
Yes No
-
Rain Water Harvest
Yes No
- Ventilation
-
Energy Storage
Yes No
After a great deal of research and involvement of planning consultants, this couple learned that gaining planning consent for a conventional house was highly unlikely. However, the plot did benefit from existing planning rights, permitting two residential caravans. ‘We realised that using them to form a single home could be a way to meet our needs’ explains David. Designing on this basis, Wendy sketched out a few proposals for the two structures. ‘She presented us with a selection of L-shaped configurations, a linear arrangement and another idea where the buildings sat opposite each other with a deck between, says David. ‘After some deliberation, this was the option we chose.’ Working on the project turned into a fruitful collaboration between David, Jane, Wendy and associate architect Ricky Evans.
. . . Grand Designs Magazine . . .
‘I gave Ricky a copy of a Modigliani sketch as an inspiration…It doesn’t have a superfluous line on it and our home is the same.”
. . . David & Jane, client . . .
At PAD studio we care passionately about what we do, good design inspires us and although the role of an architect is bound by professionalism and responsibility, we work hard to ensure that the design process is celebrated and enjoyed by our clients and by us. We are architectural storytellers, and it is essential that every project has a unique storyline that is considerate of the people and place.
A structural insulated panels (SIPs) construction method was chosen for its speed of assembly, the airtight quality of the build and because it could be assembled off-site.
Once completed, the SIPS units were packed onto lorries and transported to site. They were then positioned on crossbeams supported by screw piles, which were laid out prior to delivery.
. . . Grand Designs Magazine . . .
This modern sustainable farmhouse touches the landscape lightly through modern methods of construction (MMC) and using locally sourced timbers.
The house and the deck are raised above the ground, and can be unclamped and transported to another site, if necessary. The living areas are in one wing, while Jane and David’s bedroom suite is in the other. Attention was paid to every inch of space and sleek finishes used throughout.
. . . Grand Designs Magazine . . .
"We sit in bed and watch deer, foxes and birds outside. We’re so delighted with it."
. . . David & Jane, client . . .