Beeches, Norfolk

Low-carbon self-build in rural Norfolk

Background

e-gg was approached to deliver a reconstruction and extension for a 1960s bungalow in rural Norfolk for a young family who had recently moved out of London.

Client:
Private Client
Status
Completed
Approach

Optimising visual and physical connections

Designed to optimise visual and physical connections to the rich natural landscape, the self-build home is a reconstruction and extension of an existing 1960s bungalow at the site.

To reduce embodied carbon, the original ground slab has been reused. A full structural survey revealed that little of the superstructures could be retained, so demolished material that could not be salvaged was ground down and compacted to form the driveway.

Designed and constructed to passive standards, the highly insulated timber-framed structure is powered by a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP). Throughout the build, we made efforts to reduce waste, with offcuts of weatherboarding deployed in a new shed elsewhere on the property.

Outcome

Internally, the layout has been reconsidered to improve flow through and between spaces. Every space offers a long view through and out to nature.

Externally, the building offers a crisp modern take on the local vernacular. The rhythm of flint cavity walls and timber weatherboarding, interspersed with generous glazing, presents traditional materials in a contemporary setting, under a finely crafted zinc roof.

Sleeping quarters are separated from the original bungalow form by a glazed link, with the main building providing different types of living space as well as a home office.