Contour House

Private Winner 2016

Location: Peak District
Architect: Sanei Hopkins Architects Ltd
Structural Engineer: Elliott Wood Partnership LLP
Quantity Surveyor: MPA ltd
Services Engineers: Max Fordham LLP
Timber Frame Specialist: Constructional Timber
Timber Flooring: Admonter UK
Timber Stair: Boss Stair
Timber Doors: Longden Doors
Wood Species: American White Oak, European Oak

Sanei Hopkins was commissioned to design an open, light replacement house using high-quality traditional materials. Removing the existing house and associated landscaping allowed the ‘Contours’ of the original meadow site to be reinstated. The use of timber externally was precluded by the Peak National Park Authority because the site is in the heart of a protected landscape where stone is the prevalent material. Stone only acts as a rain screen and cladding. A combination of American white oak, European oak and some stainless steel has been used for the superstructure. Flitched feature trusses support the roof over the swimming pool and master bedroom with stainless steel ties and rod fixings. The house has been designed with sustainability at its core, maximise carbon storage whilst minimising carbon emissions and energy consumption. It utilises both local and renewable materials as much as possible.