Ivy Cottage, Chelmsford, UK
Bungalow Contemporary ~ Ageing with Place
A forever home, with history of modifications and extensions to suit a family’s changing needs, ready for rebuilding to accommodate elderly parents and generations to come.
This new house is two rectangular wings joined by an open route linking the southern principal entrance to the northern garden. Daylight within these common and private quarters, shallow wings, enters through big windows with selective views. Large roof overhangs, orientation-adjusted in size, give shading during the day, and shelter at front and garden doors.
The layout follows that of the existing Ivy Cottage but with increased provisions for cooking, eating and gathering ~ super-ergonomic design for elderly living.
Traditional materials of the rural context but with nowadays-flair and sustainable construction techniques make the house. Timber stick-frame structure, sheep’s wool insulation and lime plastered, or lime plastered straw bale walls, all on a soft red brink plinth. Views and entrances framed by deep-set timber windows and doors. All rooms are enclosed under a shared timber + meadow roof, well-insulated and punctured by skylights along its central spine.
Service: Architects
Location: Great Waltham, Chelmsford, UK
Client: The Perrys
Cost: Undisclosed
Areas: XXm2
Dates: 2023
Contract:
To Live In To Learn In To Work In To Play In