En Voyage_Issue#11_Flickbook

Business
DESIGN FOR LIFE
The Glade reflects perfectly
DLM’s approach to architecture;
it is an energy-efficient and
sustainable family home. The
house was designed within the
restraints of the site to maximise
privacy, aspect, natural light and
solar gain, whilst minimising harm
on the surrounding landscape.
The build was experimental in
many ways, combining a palette
of traditional and natural materials
with an alternative approach
to construction detailing.
One half of the house is
externally clad as a living wall
with over 4500 native plants
camouflaging the building within
the surrounding tree canopy
and providing improved thermal
performance, and an acoustic
and pollution buffer to the nearby
roads. A mixture of 13 species
have been used to provide year
round cover, seasonal colour
change and pollinating plants to
encourage wildlife and a natural
habitat within the urban setting.
Where possible local materials
and fabrication were used
to demonstrate the skill-set
and workmanship available
on island, and the quality that
can be achieved within a set
budget and timescale.
The house has the provision to
be operated solely via PV panels,
utilising low-energy fixtures and
electric car charging, with smart
lighting and heating systems
to maximise user efficiency.
The building envelope itself is
highly insulated and airtight,
so requires very little energy to
retain a consistent temperature.
Most importantly The Glade
is a home that will weather and
blend into its surroundings,
adapting with the lives and
demands of the family.
Although a relatively small
community, Guernsey is privileged
to have a hugely varied landscape
supporting a diverse range of
lifestyles. Much of the Local
Market housing stock doesn’t
reflect modern styles of living
and the ways in which people
want to utilise and inhabit space.
This, combined with planning
constraints and space limitations,
means that innovative architectural
responses are needed.
96 En Voyage | Aurigny’s Magazine