by many years watching TV shows like Channel 4’s Grand Designs, a programme which also contributed to Joan’s growing awareness of the environment and living in a more ecologically friendly way. “I saw how new technology and design innovation could reduce the need for fossil fuels, while allowing for modern design and creativity, and this interested me hugely.” In June 2016, Joan worked out how she might apply such technology to plans for her own new home. “I attended an event at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon and discovered a British company called Beattie Passive. They convinced me of the ecological benefits of a passive house system.” Just a few months later, in January 2017,
Joan’s search for an appropriate plot of land finally brought success: “I wanted a sense of open space but somewhere that was still just a two-hour drive from London. When the land in Ramsey Heights came up, with its fantastic views of the fens, I did my research to make sure the area had the facilities I wanted, visited in person a few days later and bought it for £105,000 soon after.”
The next challenge was to find an architect who could not only help make Joan’s ideas a reality but who was also familiar with the demands of working on a passive house. “Beattie Passive recommended Cambridge- based Mole Architects because they’d worked with them before. I checked out their website and just loved their designs.” Ian Bramwell, director of Mole Architects,
40
www.sbhonline.co.uk
picks up the story: “Joan has been an amazing client, she is very determined and was decisive and right from the start, a key design instruction from her was making the most of the flat fenland landscape, which means you can see for miles. To get those stunning views, she suggested an upside-down house with most of the living space upstairs.” The result is a first floor that comprises an open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area, an ensuite master bedroom with countryside views looking east to catch sunrises, and a west-facing balcony that’s reached through patio doors and supplies a wonderful vantage point to watch sunsets. Downstairs is an integral garage, study, utility room and a small guest bedroom. However, another of Joan’s important stipulations for design was that she wanted her new home to be her ‘forever’ house, somewhere she could live for the rest of her life, and climbing stairs becomes more difficult for all of us as we grow older. Ian says: “We’ve done quite a lot of self-build houses for people in retirement and we understand that this involves thinking about their mobility in the future. Joan’s in good health now but she wanted to think ahead. So, a wheelchair lift was incorporated into her plans early on, as was ensuring the rest of the house is wheelchair- friendly through having wide enough doors. There were also little touches like power sockets placed at waist height for less bending when Joan’s older. In addition, the groundfloor guestroom can be converted into a carer’s
JOAN’S TOP TIPS
Do your homework all through the process, from start to finish.
When searching for a plot, be clear what you want and what you will compromise on, or you’ll be looking forever.
Planning issues take time to sort out, so don’t expect anything to happen quickly, but keep on the case!
Be on site daily during construction if possible to pick up issues and keep on top of costs – don’t be afraid to ask
questions. I tried to keep up a positive relationship with all the guys as they were doing the job. Biscuits and chat helps!”
february/march 2020
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