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 | | VICTORIAN CHARM MEETS MODERN ECO EFFICIENCY – THE TRANSFORMATION OF AN HISTORIC CAMBRIDGE HOME | | | Freeland Rees Roberts Architects | | 17/08/2007 | | | Award-winning, Cambridge-based Freeland Rees Roberts Architects have announced the completion of a stunning, environmentally-friendly extension and alteration of a traditional Victorian terrace home in Newnham, Cambridge. The extension and alteration of traditional Victorian terraced houses is a common challenge for home-owners and architects in Cambridge and the key requirement for this relatively modest project was the addition of more space and light and, above all, the adoption of an environmentally-friendly approach.
The project, designed by architect Iain Frearson, Associate of Freeland Rees Roberts, was relatively small in scale, but included the rear extension of the property combined with minor internal alterations to provide a re-ordered kitchen and dining area, a new ground floor lavatory (with level-access shower), first floor bathroom, and rear bedroom alterations. The existing rear outbuilding comprised a cramped, dark kitchen with access to an outside lavatory through a greenhouse that was hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
Through close and continuous consultation with the client, a range of ‘green’ ideas were developed to create a positive and comfortable living environment that produces minimal waste and maximum efficiency. Freeland Rees Roberts then sought to source materials and employ methods that minimise the negative environmental impact of the project as well as the building’s day-to-day use.
Mr Frearson commented: “The intention was to make positive, practical, and realistic steps towards an environmentally-friendly solution for our client. The cost of the project compares very favourably with comparable ‘conventional’ projects for domestic extensions and alterations we undertake, suggesting that such an approach does not have to ‘cost the earth’. It is hoped that this project demonstrates that intelligent decisions taken early on in the design process are not only able to integrate environmentally-friendly measures, but provide the basis for an efficient, affordable, and ultimately more comfortable living environment.”
Mr Frearson continued: “Instead of choosing very visible, stereotypical options for improving the building’s energy efficiency such as photo-voltaic panels, wind turbines, reed-bed sewage treatment and grey-water recycling, we sought to ensure the more basic ‘green’ measures were adopted first - these less glamorous, more ‘passive’ green measures often make the biggest difference. Such measures included the strategic design of the building fabric, using insulation, natural lighting and ventilation, good passive solar design and more natural materials. These basic, integrated measures provide a sustainable solution to minimising waste and maximising efficiency – reducing the need for other additional, often costly equipment.”
Penny Maddrell, owner of the home in Fulbrooke Road, Cambridge, commented: “I am delighted with my new-look home - the knowledge and expertise provided by Iain and his team have helped transform what was a dark and cramped space into a light and comfortable living space that is a daily delight to be in. The various measures Iain recommended to improve the building’s energy efficiency show how a conscientious, detailed and ethical approach to design can result in sustainable and cost-effective construction for modern-day living. Freeland Rees Roberts’ experience in the design of homes and extensions, detailed understanding of my needs and regular close consultancy have been invaluable to the success of this project.” | |
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