This new build house occupies a prominent position in the quiet village of Lorton. The site was part of the garden to a large property next door. Although centrally located within the village, it is also open to the Buttermere valley at the back. Very much a contemporary build, we felt it important that the house responded to its location. The use of reclaimed slate and larch cladding will weather to grey over time while the detailing of the building picks up on typical details of a north lakes cottage with its simple clipped eaves and white rendered walls .
Particular attention was paid to the reduction of air leakage and high levels of insulation. Along with triple glaze windows, air source heat pump for the heating and hot water, photovoltaics and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, this energy efficient home achieved an AA rating.
The project was designed for a family of 5, including 3 children (not forgetting Charlie the dog). While there is a separate lounge, the rest of the ground floor is open plan with the kitchen and family room forming the hub of the house and the space with the best views over the garden and surrounding landscape via large sliding glazed screens.
The house is also integrated vertically with double height spaces between ground and first including a glazed balcony and roof lights that cast light from the roof level to the ground floor spaces.
