Leese Residence
Constructed to replace an exsiting 1960’s detached dwelling which occupied this plot the new dwelling was to be of a contemporary design and includes eco – friendly features. A very clear design brief was laid down by the client for this which also required that all habitable rooms were to overlook ‘the mere’ which resulted in a south facing principle elevation.
Subsequently named ‘The Wood’ this property is the third dwelling to occupy this particular plot. A number of varying contemporary sketch design options were put forward and with significant input from the client the favoured scheme was identified and progressed.
Construction commenced in 2010 & completed in June 2011. The dwelling comprises 5 bedrooms all with ensuite; the master has the benefit of a first floor balcony over looking ‘the mere.’ A laundry & a lift together with a full height atrium complete the first floor. At ground floor level there is a 3 car garage, plant room, gymnasium, lounge, kitchen/dining & breakfast room together with a study & utility room.
The dwelling is fully automated & controllable off site. Ground source heat pumps provide underfloor heating throughout. Solar panels & photovoltaics are also incorporated. A comfort heating & cooling system, which also extracts stale air from wet areas & recirculates through a heat exchanger, provides ambient temperature throughout together with constant air movement. Rainwater harvesting provides recycled water to the WC’s & lawn sprinkler system.
A dominant design feature is the natural quarried stone ‘spine’ walls that penetrate into key living areas and extend out into the garden thus providing visual linkage between the internal and external spaces. The extensive floor to ceiling glazing to the south façade maximises views over ‘the mere’ whilst the use of heavily tinted solar control glass prevents overheating in the summer.
A 2 storey atrium incorporating a contemporary oak cantilevered staircase with glass balustrades complement the flanking natural stone spine wall. Loosely inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie houses the dwelling is topped by an array of shallow but nonetheless dominant pitched roofs with a substantial eaves overhanging which complete the composition & help to maintain a degree of shelter.