Although the building plot that Philip and Philippa Dancey came across was occupied by a tired post-war timber-framed bungalow, the couple knew that they could replace the run-down, inefficient building with a home that would meet all their present and future needs. Not that the Danceys needed to move.
"We were living in an amazing home just a few miles away that we’d had designed for us 10 years earlier and which we loved," says Philip. "But with the kids having left home, it was a bigger house than we needed, plus there were issues with the security of the place that gave me a few sleepless nights.
"It was spectacular for the amount of exterior glazing it had – 3,000sq ft – but being on a six-acre plot on the edge of a village made it very visible and very susceptible when we were away for lengthy spells. I always had to time the lights and the automatic blinds for security, but I never felt certain that it wouldn’t attract unwanted attention."
Project details
- Location Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
- Project Self-build detached house and garage
- Build route Traditional tender from a Bill of Quantities
- Build method Woodcrete insulated blocks
- Build cost £1,106,300 (inc demolition and fees)
- Architects Coombes:everitt architects
Low-risk purchase
Located at the base of the Cotswold escarpment just outside Cheltenham, the chosen site offered elevated views of the countryside that stretched into the distance, so the plot virtually sold itself.
"We bought it without planning permission but local precedents reassured us we’d get it through with a thorough application," says Philip.
With this in mind, the couple searched for an architects’ practice that had empathy with the area, and tasked locally based coombes:everitt architects with fulfilling their clear brief, namely to create a future-proofed, energy-efficient home that blended well into its rural setting, with sufficient space for guests but essentially tailored for their own day-to-day needs.
"Philip and Philippa wanted a home that was first and foremost highly efficient," says project architect John Everitt. "They also travel a lot so needed the ability to leave the house effectively in deep sleep mode. Another key consideration was to provide a range of different views over the surrounding landscape, some wide views and others more focused views."
Room requirements
The couple were keen to replicate the elements that had worked well in their previous house, including a large living/dining/kitchen space and a TV room-cum-snug.
The arrangement of the rooms was crucial, too, according to Philip: "We wanted a study close to the core of the house so Philippa and I could still interact while being in separate spaces," he says. "We also designed in future-proofing features – the downstairs office can easily be turned into a bedroom with nearby shower room, should one of us not be able to get upstairs easily at some point in the future."
Outside, too, interesting design features are evident. The property was designed as three pitched-roof sections, with the two larger sections being linked via a flat-roof single-storey element.
"This approach was taken to help reduce the mass of the proposed dwelling and to reflect the agricultural barns that are seen within the wider landscape," says John.
The build itself went smoothly, and this was aided by the fact that it was project managed by Philip, who felt well qualified for the job, given that he had spent 30 years in the building services industry, and ran his own business for 16 of those.
Living a short drive away also meant he could be on the site most days to liaise with the tradesmen and sort out any problems.
High-quality materials
Not surprisingly, considering his background, achieving high-quality heating and ventilation was a priority for Philip. "It’s the stuff you don’t notice that counts the most – the amount of insulation you put into the walls, the floor, the quality of the glazing etc," he says. "We went above and beyond Building Regs requirements on virtually every aspect of the fabric of the house. We also opted for Internorm triple glazing – probably the most thermally efficient windows in Europe."
The building materials, too, offered a high level of insulation, particularly the Isotex ICF (insulating concrete formwork) system, which formed the main structure of the property, and which was then clad with Cotswold stone slips and Millboard board. It also met with the approval of John Everitt, who adds: "It was the first time that we and the contractor had used the system. It was a positive experience and we have now completed several projects using various ICF systems."
Having achieved the best thermal envelope possible, they introduced technology to take the home’s eco-efficiency to another level, namely an air source heat pump, 24 solar roof panels (powering 90% of the couple’s electric car needs), battery storage and a ‘smart home’ system that remotely monitors and controls lighting, climate, security and entertainment. "It also controls our external Venetian blinds so that if the kitchen gets too warm it will adjust the angle of the blinds, taking into account the position of the sun," says Philip.
Signs of success
The construction of the house was completed in less than 14 months and illustrates how a knockdown and rebuild can be the more sustainable and cost-effective option, particularly when dealing with inefficient and outdated housing stock.
It also demonstrates how thoughtful, contemporary design can sit harmoniously within a protected landscape, enriching rather than disrupting the setting. It’s safe to say the house is at one with its surroundings – and the owners are clearly at one with the home they’ve created.
"If I say so myself, I think this house is absolutely fantastic," says Philip. "And for Philippa, it offers everything that she wanted from our new home."
For more inspiration, take a tour of this renovated lakeside castle in Plymouth or this extended Edwardian terrace in London.
