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| Rear Extension at Ellcar Rise, Eaton, Norwich |
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Client Brief - Simon approached us in December 2006 having parted company with his previous design team. There were concerns with almost every part of the design through to build process. These included materials, construction methods, build costs and meeting budgets, sustainability and time scales.
Instruction - The extension is to be usable all year round. I am prepared to look at energy efficient methods such as triple glazing and biomass. I would like to look at improving the aesthetics of the rear elevation existing is brick and hanging tile, happy to consider alternative materials. |
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The extension is to bring the garden in yet provide as much privacy as possible despite the difficult terrain. A balcony is essential.
Meeting - Our first site meeting was held in January 2007. We discussed the design requirements in detail and included construction options and materials available. The extension itself was relatively straight forward taking the form of a 5m x 4.7m rear extension with a lean too roof and to include a considerable balcony of some 27m2. Due to the nature of the terrain this project was always going to be interesting and challenging for the construction and the budget, early consultation with Building Control was essential. Planning is often difficult for balconies, although ours was at dwelling ground level this |
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elevated due to the terrain up to a level of our 1.5m high; this was elevated effect softened by mature gardens using the existing tress to our advantage.
Glazing - Glass was to be our next challenge, part of the client brief was to provide as much daylight and garden view as possible. The design solution gave us a window/new floor area ratio of 100% when the amount is allowed is just 25%. This was achieved by providing before and after SAP calculations (standard assessment procedure), these calculations showing that by making other improvements the dwelling could be more energy efficient after the extension was built than before, despite the amount of glass. This was achieved by improving insulation U values in both the extension and other existing roofs within the dwelling, looking closely at solar shading and also by providing some more sustainable forms of energy supply such as renewable's. |
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Sustainability – We considered almost every form of renewable energy available but as with all projects their viability is very site specific. The renewable energy feasibility study included wind, ground source heat pump, PV (photo voltiac) roof and wall panels, biomass, solar thermal and air source heat pump. Considering site constraints affecting the efficiency and not forgetting the budget available the chosen solution was biomass in form of pellet stove. Payback must always be considered when choosing renewable's; fast paybacks are more likely to attract a client's investment. Other forms of sustainability were also considered and implemented such as rainwater harvesting.
Materials - Materials are always a challenge when faced with a classic mix of 80's brick and hanging tile, modern UPVc windows, UPVc cladding and concrete roof tiles. The simple solution and by far the easiest solution would be to match the existing materials and discard your personal likes and dislikes. So we went in search of some different solutions and provided the client with material samples. This is where the client made it really easy for us; the solution used was zinc cladding for both the new walls and roof, remove the UPVc cladding from the half gable and provide matching |
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| brickwork, then replace the mass of hanging tiles from the existing rear wall and provide a smooth render and some glass balustrade. I think you would agree most clients would have thrown you out at this point, but not this time, the client's forward thinking has provided a design solution which really works and it looks great. |
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Planning – PLanning with Norwich City Council went well. The planning application was successful first time and went through in just seven weeks with full support of the Planning Officer.
CNC Building Control - Early consultation with CNC Building Control was now paying dividends. The invaluable advice received at those earlier meetings meant that Building Regulations with CNC passed within just a few days.
The construction team which in this case was Main Contractor, Building Control, Project Manager, Architect, Sub-Contractors and |
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| Client must always work well as a team. This is especially important when construction methods and materials stray away from the norm. Guidance from Building Control during the construction process would be essential if this project was to run smoothly. The Contractor sought on site advice many times from the CNC Building Control Officer on many subjects such as vapour control with the usual wall and roof construction. |
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Construction - We went to tender in January 2008 and work started three months later. We project managed the work during its three month construction period to ensure all went well, on time and on budget with flawless build quality. We looked closely at electrics and lighting both inside and out, with the production of electrical plans, and carefully choosing finishes. The build went really well for all concerned, working as a team can make a real difference.
The solution - A project was challenging and motivating. A remarkable solution to what was an extension on an 80's estate house. Using interesting materials such as zinc, aluminum and glass |
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| creates a solution which really puts this property on the map. Providing a valuable space both inside and out, with consideration for sustainability and techniques such as solar shading makes this extension both affordable to build and to run. This glass and zinc extension really is thinking outside the box. |
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