This is an extraordinary home: primitive on the outside, with untreated oak-boarded walls, plate-glass windows and flat roofs, but sophisticated on the inside. Entry to the bungalow is through a circular top- lit lobby, completely lined with curved oak-veneered sliding doors and fixed panels. One of the three sliding doors gives access to an open- plan space full of light from the full –height glazed doors and fixed windows around a south-facing courtyard. Although at first glance the interior appears conventional it soon reveals its sustainability, using environmentally acceptable paints and varnishes, low energy efficient lighting energy efficient appliances, under floor heating with electric thermostats in every room, a gas fired condensing boiler with smart energy management systems, sensors and controls, rainwater harvesting for washing machines and WCs and solar collectors for water heating. With a SAP rating of 100 for its energy efficiency Cobtun House won not only a RIBA Award but also the RIBA Award for sustainability, and provides house builders with many lessons for houses of the future. |
