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A previously unextended period semi in St Albans has been completely transformed into a fun filled sustainable family home. Extended from top to bottom, the property provides generous accommodation for the family, and ample space for entertaining too.
The project was conceived to sit discreetly on the site, with a new front elevation that blends seamlessly with the period frontage, moving towards a cool and contemporary look to the rear.
A two storey void is slotted into the centre of the house creating vertical interconnectivity and views out towards the garden. Criss-crossed with netting, this space has become the fun-filled heart of the home.
At ground floor level the floors were lowered across the back of the house; coupled with floor to ceiling glazing this allows the occupants to feel immersed in the green wooded garden. The use of pale waterstruck danish brickwork and birch plywood inside and out, coupled with a cool colour palette of soft greens and reds has resulted in a tranquil and soothing contemporary home.
This home features very high levels of insulation throughout, triple glazing with solar control, with underfloor heating on all floors and an air source heat pump. The setting out of rooflights and the roof form was carefully designed to maximise the solar array. Internally the use of brick and wood finishes, and linoleum flooring throughout creates a harmonious, healthy and comfortable living and working environment. All joinery has been designed, built and installed by Lingwood Design and the external pocket sliding doors were developed as a bespoke detail by the studio.
This project is a great example of how to retrofit an older property, to create a highly energy efficient home without compromising on looks.