PROJECT REPORT: LUXURY DEVELOPMENTS 29


integrated from the outset of the project. Richards indeed believes that the two aims naturally go hand in hand: “Better insulated buildings create more comfortable interiors, generous glazing brings exceptional natural light into the homes, and carefully selected materials provide longevity as well as beauty,” he explains.


The approach is well received by clients, he says, particularly in the south east. “There continues to be strong demand for homes that combine exceptional design with genuine sustainability – Hartdene Barns demonstrates that buyers increasingly value architectural quality, low running costs and a strong connection to place alongside more traditional measures of luxury.” For Nissen Richards Studio, luxury is about more than just “expensive materials or fi nishes ichards eplains that generosity of space, natural light and a meaningful connection with each home and its surroundings are “fundamental” to achieving the result. For this project, the character of the original buildings meant vaulted ceilings, “carefully framed” views across the surrounding landscape and open plan living spaces were almost natural. These coupled with other features such as full height Crittal-style glazed doors, bespoke staircases, crafted timber joinery, quartz worktops and detailed fi replaces create spaces that feel refi ned without becoming overly formal,” says Richards.


Playing an “important architectural role, fi replaces help eep the desired open play layout while also creating more intimate living environments, as well as adding a luxury feel.


Inside the homes, materials are “deliberately restrained,” says Richards, to allow the light, views and proportions of the spaces to become the defi ning features.” Elsewhere however, materials played an essential role in meeting the brief. “Every material was selected because it could satisfy several objectives simultaneously, such as reducing embodied carbon, improving operational performance and delivering high quality architecture,” he explains. Structural insulated panels (SIPs) were chosen to form the basis of the construction thanks to their ability to create an extremely well-insulated and airtight building envelope, while also reducing embodied carbon by around 40% compared to masonry construction. The build quality, amount of waste and construction time onsite are also all improved by their prefabricated nature. Wherever possible, the architects used glulam timber over steel, not only to again reduce embodied carbon, but also to “allow the structure to become part of the architectural expression of the interiors,” explains Richards. “Lightweight timber framing and offsite manufactured metal web joists further reduced material use while simplifying the installation of building services.”


Elsewhere, existing concrete from across the site was crushed and reused as hardcore, and any additional concrete required was low carbon. “This circular approach reduced waste and transportation impacts,” says Richards. “The greatest challenge wasn’t any individual material but ensuring that structural systems, sustainability targets, construction sequencing and commercial


THE CONSTRAINTS OF THE EXISTING SCHEME “PROVED SURPRISINGLY PRODUCTIVE,” SAYS RICHARDS


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