Shanks House

Adam Knibb Architects were approached to design a replacement dwelling, to take the place of an existing cottage that had been left in a state of disrepair. The site itself is quite challenging as it is steeply sloping, leading down towards the Bourne stream and Bourne Valley beyond and is surrounded by mature trees.

The aim was to orientate the building to maximise the flatter areas of the site, capitalise on views of the site and ensure natural daylight throughout the day. By stepping the living areas down and terracing the external hard landscaping we were able to reinforce the connection with the garden and the sites gradient.

The proposal re-orientates the dominant facade and offers a two storey dwelling. A garage and workshop space is connected to the main house via a glazed walkway, opening views up into a sheltered courtyard and to the garden beyond. It is proposed for the ground floor to be clad in brick to ground the proposal within the landscape and to reference the surrounding architectural context.

The clients aim was to create a sustainable home utilising off site construction, green roofing and renewable energy generation. It's sunken position from the road would provide a unique view of the building's sustainable credentials.