This project started out as a proposal to alter and extend the existing house on the site but after careful consideration it was decided to proceed with a new house that would be more economic and energy efficient. The existing house was therefore demolished to make way for the proposed 380m2 house. The concept of the house was for an ‘upside down’ home with the living spaces on the upper floor to enjoy the fantastic views to the east across Bath and with bedrooms on the lower floor built into the hillside. It cleverly makes good use of the sloping site with the upper floor opening out on to the ground at the rear to a more private garden facing south and west. The roof opens up to bring in sun and daylight and also expresses the organization of the building with two slate roofed wings wrapped and separated by a zinc roof serving the circulation, hall and study. The main wing accommodates the principal family spaces with the secondary wing enclosing subservient spaces such as the ‘gossip’ space, utility and guest room. A generous gentle stair takes you up a dramatic double height hallway to the first floor living spaces. The house will have very high levels of insulation and air tightness with a mechanical heat recovery and ventilation system and a south facing roof for addition of PV’s and solar thermal panels. Photos by Craig Auckland / Fotohaus