A major requirement of our brief was to procure an energy-efficient, sustainable, 'breathable' building, free from toxins present in many modern-day products and finishes.

Our solution for this greenest of dwellings involves the specification of a pre-fabricated SIPS timber-panel system which is clad in local chestnut boarding. Combined with a super-insulated roof and high-performance Swedish windows and doors, this building is extremely thermally efficient, remaining cool in summer and warm in winter, with minimal energy use. Other technologies specified:

• Ground source heat pump
• Solar thermal water heating panels
• Heat-recovery ventilation
• Rainwater harvesting