Located on the edge of Blakeney in North Norfolk, 8 Wiveton Road is an innovative and sustainable new build project, that also requires a very sensitive touch. Not only set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is also in close proximity to two heritage assets – the village church and its rectory. As specialists in the development of sustainable building projects and with extensive experience of combining innovative and traditional build methods, it was an exciting project for G & M to win. The build is due for completion early 2021 and the clients are delighted with how their vision is coming to life.
The design of this 1-storey property is a result of the clients’ own vision and Norwich-based Hudson Architects. It has a strong focus on its environmental footprint and seeks to negate any impact in both the short and long term. As such, features of note include utilising its orientation to harness solar energy, a highly insulated external skin to drive energy efficiency and a timber structural frame, with some steel, that could be easily recycled in the future.
Although the house is not Passive House certified, the design and construction detailing of the house aspires to Passive House standards; high airtightness, high performing/highly insulating external envelope. Use of MVHR to improve the internal environment for the benefit of building occupants. Much like a Passive House build, the building has been designed to achieve a high level of comfort and increased wellbeing for the occupants, with increased energy efficiency, decreased air pollution and external landscaping to provide the feeling of a merger between internal and external living to make the most of its setting.
Consideration for the sustainable aspects of the build has been equally matched by thought given to complementing the surrounding environment and the palette of materials used. For example, the most prominent elevation to the east of the property uses traditional flint on the wall surfaces – a material widely used in the local area and reflects the cobbled flint walls that line Wiveton Road and cottages in the village. This will be capped with Corten steel for weathering resistance.
Jody Murfit, co-founder of G&M commented, ‘This has been an incredible project to work on and really show cases Grocott & Murfit’s specialist knowledge of working with both traditional and innovative build materials and techniques.’
To top it all, winning in the ‘Residential Build’ category of the prestigious UK Property Awards was met with delight by everyone on the team and recognises the hard work and challenges of the build that were overcome.