| Midhurst Renovation
Our Midhurst renovation project aims to revitalise an outdated, inefficient 1960s house, to create a wonderful, contemporary and highly sustainable family home.
The existing property was outdated, in need of repair and no longer fitting with what our clients needed. The family primarily needed more space and a design which allowed for specific accessibility requirements. Sustainability is an essential part of the brief for our clients, with a desire to absolutely minimise their energy use, but an interest in natural materials.
We started with an inherited design, a proposal which the clients had previously commissioned. In reviewing this design, it was clear that the design did not meet our clients' functional needs, aesthetic preferences, and also, in our view, was not cost-effective or maximised the environmental potential of the project. We therefore worked closely with our clients to re-imagine the design to fit with their project aspirations.
Sustainability is an essential part of this project. We utilised Passivhaus design tools throughout the design process to balance the design of the form, window openings and retrofit measures with the other aims of the project. Through this process, the design is projected to use over 90% less energy than the existing property, and has the potential to be certified to the Enerphit Standard.
We are excited to see the project progress towards construction in the coming months.
The existing property was outdated, in need of repair and no longer fitting with what our clients needed. The family primarily needed more space and a design which allowed for specific accessibility requirements. Sustainability is an essential part of the brief for our clients, with a desire to absolutely minimise their energy use, but an interest in natural materials.
We started with an inherited design, a proposal which the clients had previously commissioned. In reviewing this design, it was clear that the design did not meet our clients' functional needs, aesthetic preferences, and also, in our view, was not cost-effective or maximised the environmental potential of the project. We therefore worked closely with our clients to re-imagine the design to fit with their project aspirations.
Sustainability is an essential part of this project. We utilised Passivhaus design tools throughout the design process to balance the design of the form, window openings and retrofit measures with the other aims of the project. Through this process, the design is projected to use over 90% less energy than the existing property, and has the potential to be certified to the Enerphit Standard.
We are excited to see the project progress towards construction in the coming months.
Project Factfile:
Project Stage: Technical Design
Architecture: Croft Design Collective LLP
Location: London
Existing Heat Demand: 295 . 00 kWh/m2a
Proposed Heat Demand: 18 . 06 kWh/m2a
Proposed Peak Heat Load: 9.8 W/m2
MVHR: 21 Degrees / Zehnder
Heating System: Air Source Heat Pump
Windows: Rationel
Architecture: Croft Design Collective LLP
Location: London
Existing Heat Demand: 295 . 00 kWh/m2a
Proposed Heat Demand: 18 . 06 kWh/m2a
Proposed Peak Heat Load: 9.8 W/m2
MVHR: 21 Degrees / Zehnder
Heating System: Air Source Heat Pump
Windows: Rationel
Sustainable Design
Throughout the design process, we utilised Passivhaus Analysis tools to refine the energy performance of the building. The proposed design will use over 90% less energy than the existing house, and when combined with a small solar array, the home will have Zero energy bills. A key part of the design was to minimise the overheating risk, which was heightened due to the building's orientation. Refining the shading structures at the rear of the property was key to minimising overheating and providing year-round comfort. ,
We always prioritise natural materials both in the exposed finishes and in the structure & insulation of the building, which creates a healthy home, with a minimal environmental footprint.
We always prioritise natural materials both in the exposed finishes and in the structure & insulation of the building, which creates a healthy home, with a minimal environmental footprint.
Technical Considerations
A key part of the technical design process has been to review the existing building to decide where the structure can be retained, and where elements need to be replaced for new structure. Where structure cannot be retained, a new lightweight timber frame structure is provided using Timber I joists and cellulose insulation. Careful consideration is given to the junction between old and new, to ensure efficient structural design, but also continuity of insulation, airtightness measures and detailed consideration of condensation risk. The technical design process culminates in the production of detailed drawings, specifications and 3 models to allow the contractor to complete the project in line with the design aspirations.
