RDA was commissioned by a private client to produce designs for a high quality and contemporary new dwelling in the village of Quarndon, Derbyshire. The existing house was replaced to provide more rational and flexible open-plan spaces for the family to inhabit and to allow for panoramic views to the landscape at the rear. The concept of an internal curving feature wall comprising of multiple timber fins was adopted to define the interior spaces whilst maintaining views to the garden from the front of the house. Contemporary internal finishes such as exposed polished concrete and white plaster are softened with the use of oak panelling.
To minimise energy loss, the walls are super-insulated with modern insulated 'through colour' render systems. Renewable energy technologies such as PV panels have been provided to create electricity which is sold back to the national grid, and rainwater harvesting is used to minimise the amount of mains water consumed. All of these systems work in combination to reduce the house’s annual carbon consumption and reduce utility bills.