L'Ouest Rocheux

A concept for a low-maintenance and accessible home that is futureproofed and stylish. The owner of this property have lived adjacent to it for the past four decades, meaning they are familiar with the site and its context, and are committed to creating something that lasts. Originally built in the 1950s, the existing garage and house has undergone minor alterations, with the additional uPVC conservatory to meet the previous owners’ spatial requirements. Our client now wishes to make alterations to suit their current needs and provide a sustainable, low-maintenance and accessible home for lifetime enjoyment. Upon inspection of the existing dwelling, it became evident that meeting current building regulations and modern standards of living and accessibility would necessitate extensive alterations to the structure, thermal fabric, internal and external finishes, and mechanical and electrical systems. These modifications are not viable and would significantly compromise the quality of the dwelling. Our team was clear that constructing a new-build dwelling offers sustainable benefits, and provides opportunities to respond more effectively to site conditions (orientation, views, privacy & safety) and homeowner aspirations. The new dwelling will provide a much higher specification than the existing building, utilising more sustainable materials and construction methods. It will feature a high-performing thermal envelope to minimise environmental impact and embodied energy. Additionally, passive and active systems will be incorporated to optimise in-use performance.