Form, shape, building orientation and innovative products played a key role in the next step of an evolving line of passive solar design projects by architect, Stride Treglown.
When tasked with the project to build a series of high end homes in North Bristol, the architect saw this as an ideal site for next generation passive solar design homes. As well as requiring for homes which were bright, healthy and attractive, the brief also stated that the houses should have a strong connection with the garden to create a fluid inside and outside open plan, conveying a ‘Clean Living’ feel.
Using the principles of passivhaus designs and learnings from previous projects, it was decided that a ‘wraparound’ roof, which linked seamlessly from floor to ceiling, was designed to both meet and exceed the brief. This ‘wraparound’ roof would enclose highly glazed south-facing rear elevations – that would take full advantage of solar-gain and collect the heat from the sun. The effect on the house would be wide-reaching. In practical terms, warmth would be trapped helping reduce energy consumption. While aesthetically, the roofs would form a striking focal point for the development, producing the effect of origami standing on end.
As an integral part of the design, the product selected for the roof would have to serve a unique purpose of blending seamlessly into the Tilebrick wall and assisting delivery of the sustainable targets of the architect. Ibstock’s Tilebrick in Slate Blue, was chosen and coupled with grey roof tiles.
The illusion was achieved. Both roof and walls appear to be made from one continuous material in a bold ‘wraparound’ sculptural design. Tilebricks and roof tiles work together to merge roof with external facade, blurring the distinction between the building and surrounding areas and reinforcing the architect’s vision of a continuous form.
Andrew Halstead-Smith, Group Marketing Manager at Ibstock, comments: “This bold and distinctive project is a prime example of how brick can be used to bring any architectural vision to life. The Tilebrick range provides architects with design solutions that give a new dimension to facades, enhancing the design elements of a building whilst retaining the benefits of structural masonry.”
The recently extended Tilebrick range offers an innovative tile-shaped front face brick which replicates a tile-hung wall elevation, offering three profiles – Planar, Banded and Curved shapes. The Planar, which was used on this project, gives a crisp and defined finish, the Banded adds a strong linear definition to the facade, while the traditional Curved finish provides the softer appeal of real tile hanging. The range comes in 10 colour options, including black and buff, and is supported by a range of accessories to satisfy any design requirement.
Another important facet to both the architect’s vision for a striking and dynamic continuous form and the sustainability of the property, was the use of shade in the summer and exposure to sun in the winter. By effective use of the roof’s shape and design, the house can deliver a comfortable temperature for the inhabitants of the home throughout all seasons.
A triple height space stretching from the foot of the building to the roof also ensures heat is distributed throughout the property. At the top of this triple space is a remotely controllable roof light. This allows warm air to escape as it rises in warm conditions via passive-stack principles and ensures retention of heat in cooler temperatures.
Robert Delius, Senior Associate Architect at Stride Treglown, says: “In previous projects we used sunspaces and double height spaces to contribute to the effective heating of a building. The height of this project allowed us to go one further and construct a triple space. This will bring greater returns for the homeowner, and coupled with the catchment area of the south facing facade should help the owner use energy more efficiently.
“The reason we – and the client – are so pleased with this project is that the design itself was not that complicated in its requirements for specialist products. The only part which required something out of the ordinary was the flowing roof. Once we had found Ibstock’s Tilebrick, we knew it was the ideal product and it played a big role in the successful completion of the project. Without the versatility and flexibility of Tilebrick, the sloping roof could have posed problems. It helped us to meet the objectives of the original brief with the aesthetic appeal and our own desired sustainability targets.”
In recognition of its achievements, the development has been awarded in the Insider South West Property Awards for Residential Development of the Year. Part of the experimentation was down to the small number of buildings which were needed. This meant that a more bespoke approach could be taken. Nonetheless, continually challenging uses of space, form and orientation to build eco-friendly housing has paved the way for more passive solar projects from Stride Treglown. More projects are set to follow, so the flexibility of building products to assist architects and builders in the effective use of space, form and orientation will be key.
