Dorset Eco River House
Footprint Architects were commissioned to design this modern new build family home, highlighting family living with a design that celebrates its natural setting. Surrounded by lush countryside, woodlands and an immediate garden view over a river, the concept was to design enriching connections to outdoor spaces while maintaining private family living.
Sustainability
This bespoke home focuses on simple passive house design principles. Utilising high levels of insulation, careful positioning of openings for solar gains, and high-quality materials for a low energy eco-home
Modern Sustainable Living
Our team of architects designed the house with a keen focus on sustainability and eco-friendly design. The home was designed to Passive House standards, ensuring it has a low energy consumption and a high-quality living environment. Our fabric first approach to sustainable design ensured the materials for this eco-home were picked for their sustainable properties, low embodied carbon and durability. Our team sympathetically designed the use of Cotswold stone to reflect the local context, the natural setting and to enhancing the thermal envelope.
Creating Healthy Living Environments Through Sustainable Design
Passive house design principles were used to create a comfortable and healthy living environment for the clients. The design process was rooted in sustainable features that carefully analysed the site, taking full advantage of natural elements such as the sun’s position and wind direction. Positioning openings to maximise heating from the sun in winter and designing sufficient overhangs to provide shading in the summer months. This approach allows for healthy living spaces that support sustainable design principles and meet passive house standards. The home utilises natural daylight, fresh air, and high levels of insulation to maintain a constant temperature year-round, ensuring low running costs, easy maintenance, and a creating a healthy living environment.
Context & Place
By utilising the existing features of the site our team created a home that enhances its natural surroundings. Carefully designed expansive views create a connection with the surrounding outdoor environment.
Designing a Modern Eco-Home to Celebrate the Natural Surroundings
The primary design driver for this eco lake house was to deepen the connection between the site and the modern new build dwelling. Large social areas invite engagement with the outdoors, while secluded areas offer a relaxing and comfortable resting environment. Striking a balance between visibility and privacy was essential, ensuring the inhabitants could enjoy expansive views without compromising their personal and private space. This eco-friendly home was designed to seamlessly blur the lines between outdoor and indoor living by creating expansive views of the garden and surrounding lake.
People & Communities
The integration of social and secluded areas promotes a balanced lifestyle, allowing for both engagement and relaxation. This long-lasting sustainable home supports healthier, cleaner living environments.
Relevant Projects
An award winning affordable self-build, eco-friendly home focusing on passive house design principles
An award-winning modern farmhouse refurbishment, barn conversion and house extension to a Grade II Listed house
Get Your Project Off The Ground
Get in touch today to kick-start your project. Let us know a few details and we’ll be in touch to discuss bringing your vision to life.
