When our client came to us wanting to completely update their 1940s manor house, we couldn’t not get excited. Sitting in ¾ of an acre of land with a south facing garden, we knew the potential for this tired and run-down house was endless. High on the priority list for this client was to design a functioning family home using only sustainable and energy efficient methods, in particular, ensuring the house would achieve the prestigious Passive House Enerphit certification. The plan to achieve this was through innovative measures such as the use of heat pumps, MVHR, triple glazing and other construction methodologies to enhance energy efficiency. Materials have played a big part in our design to strive for this sustainable home. Approaching the selection of materials, a plan to reuse where possible and when new materials were the only option, we reached out to local suppliers, sourcing natural stone from local quarries and selecting to use timber over steel for the homes structural support. Implementing these initiatives combined with our usual design rigour will ensure this property has the quality of a luxury home but with a fraction of the carbon footprint. Such is the commitment to sustainability that we have extended this to the sourcing and procurement of the furniture and fittings. Proposals to furnish this beautiful home will include natural mattress’ and cushion inserts, VOC free paints, chemical free MDF and restored vintage furniture and lighting. Additional to the client’s sustainability requirements, this dated manor house needed to be reconfigured and refurbished to make it fit for modern day family living. Internally, by reorganising its layout, we have planned for the spaces to have increased flow while connecting the living spaces to the garden and its beautiful surrounding green spaces as well as adding a basement and two new ‘wings’ to allow for more family space and the utilities required for a house of this size. The reconfiguration and extension will create a light, bright home making the most of the south facing orientation. The architectural design will ensure future proofing and give the family the flexibility required for living in the modern day. With this project, we have taken architectural innovation to new heights, merging sustainability, functionality, and timeless design. This home is on site and is due to complete in June 2025.