Winner of a Civic Society award in 2011 ‘Riversleigh’ in Coombe Bissett is the dream house of owners Louise and Peter.
“We wanted to build for the future in a responsible way by harnessing new technologies. We wanted to flood the house with light , which was quite a challenge as it is on a north-facing slope surrounded by mature trees. We thought the new build should interact with the site and surroundings in a sensitive manner, using natural materials, transparency and embrace the concept of touching the ground lightly.”
Building it was a steep learning curve for all concerned! They used local architect Stuart Pike of Favonius & Co in The Close and local builders Mark Bugden of Castleway. Eco-building is still in it’s relative infancy in this country and new technologies are being developed all the time.
South Wiltshire Agenda 21 were pleased to support the planning application in 2009 and delighted to be invited to see the end result.
Some of the main features include: a timber frame and walls, large double glazed windows to make maximum use of natural light, Earth Wool insulation made from recycled glass bottles, a sedum roof (see photo on right), rainwater havesting, an air-source heat pump for under floor heating and hot water and a wood burning stove
