The Hazeltine house type proved to be a serial Award winner- with a What House Gold Award for Best House and also Best House of the Future, and voted Best House of Three or more storeys in the National HomeBuilder Design Awards. These accolades were not simply because of good design- or kerb appeal as most house builders think of it- but of environmental efficiency and sustainability. A three storey house of 2,139 sq ft The Hazeltine is built to the Super E standard, a system controlled and endorsed by the Canadian Government to give superior energy efficiency, improved air quality and humidity control to every room. It brings a technologically robust method of scientific assessment to the manufacture of walls and windows for durable timber framed houses designed to withstand the worst extremes of Canada’s weather in winter and summer. It’s dramatic design picks up cues from the light and airy country houses of New England cleverly combining the traditional white weatherboarded elevations with elements of the Kentish vernacular. But the floor to ceiling windows, with a study gallery looking down into the double-height family room and a loft ceiling open up to the ridge of the roof create the real kerb appeal. Glazed gables provide even more natural daylight to create a calm, airy atmosphere. With only one-and- half air changes an hour the houses are virtually draught free and fluctuating temperatures are naturally balanced to avoid cold spots. A fully dedicated fresh air ventilation system, combined with heat recovery, provides clean, filtered air. The Super E8 standard includes top-specification A-rated appliances and condensing boilers using mains gas to provide the under floor heating. As the What House judges summed up: “ It is too glib to say that one day all houses will be built like the Hazeltine”, but were right when they added “This house clearly sets a standard for others to follow”. Photography: Jon Furley Studios (01420 83388) |
