Our client found a plot in Wivenhoe, near to the river Colne, in an area formally home to ship-building yards. The brief was for a home for an artist, light filled, with room to work, to entertain. An energy efficient home, that minimises heating costs. 

The site had been neglected for years. The previous owner had installed concrete foundations for a previously approved design but as their circumstances changed the full construction of the house never materialised. Rather than removing the previous foundations we decided to work with them and modify to suit our new design. This approach resulted in minimising groundworks, waste from the site and reusing what was already there.

Inspired by the rich maritime history of Wivenhoe, the design employs a double-gable roof, timber cladding in a dark colour and metal cladding on the roof. Typology and materials forming a close link to local boat-building sheds.