PASSIV HAUS, EPPING FOREST

This project aims to demonstrate how a new house can be unique in design quality whilst at all times showing respect to and understanding of historic vernacular.  In both form and layout, the house sets up a dialogue between the traditional farmhouse ancillary building and modern living. It resembles a traditional farmhouse barn in massing and material, reinterpreted to reflect its current place in history.

The concept considers the form of a farmhouse ancillary barn, manipulating its key functions into a new form appropriate for its setting and domestic use. Its massing has been informed by the site composition, the site boundaries and connection between the two parts of the site.

The concept has been underpinned by purist intentions, with the architectural style taking cues from the countryside’s agricultural vernacular. The proposal takes on a self-effacing narrative, embedding itself unobtrusively within its landscape. On closer inspection the delicate intricacies of the journey narrative, the floor plan layout and the architectural detailing becomes apparent.

Taking cues from Essex’s farmsteads vernacular, natural materials consisting predominantly of weathered wood and thatch were chosen as the primary design driver. The consideration of thatch follows a study into its historic use as a roofing material and provided opportunity to contribute to the preservation efforts of this traditional but dying craft.