DREAMCATCHER

The Brief

Client: Private Client

Contract Value: £2.5m

Architect: Mitchell Evans

Sector: Residential

Expertise: New Build, M&E, Timber Frame Construction

On the Isle of Wight, Vale Southern has constructed a stunning family home featuring an internal swimming pool and a range of energy-saving features.

The Brief

Created for a private homeowner, this new-build property was designed with sustainability in mind.

The complex brief from the client stipulated specific requirements in terms of function and environmental goals and aimed to develop a building with its own identity separating the house from convention.

The external detailing has a level of refinement that creates a very unique aesthetic allowing the building to sit proud in its landscape while the materials used ground the design within the local vernacular.

Featuring six bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, the high-specification home features a swimming pool with large sliding doors to the patio, separate annex, and integral garage with extensive landscaping including a croquet lawn and pond.

A bespoke build

Vale Southern Construction was appointed as the main contractor following a successful tender. Working in partnership with architects, Mitchell Evans, and the homeowner, the team was responsible for demolishing an existing building and realising the design vision.

Strip foundations were laid followed by reinforced concrete works to accommodate the swimming pool and a special pool plant room in the basement.

The structure of the new home was constructed using a timber frame, providing an environmentally-friendly solution, which was also around 20 per cent quicker than a traditional build. Once installed, Vale Southern sourced and installed stone cladding that was specified to complement both the timber and West Country architecture.

The roof structure is designed to reflect traditional oast houses seen in Kent, with striking pyramid shapes housing each of the bedrooms. A total of 32 large, glulam beans were used to create the six pyramid shapes which were assembled on the ground by Vale Southern before being individually lifted into position using a tower crane.

Internally, a lift was installed along with two staircases with one leading to the annex and the other sweeping up to the corner of a large living area on the first floor. Windows fitted in this space provide an impressive view of the new swimming pool.

Environmentally-friendly design

Throughout the home, there is a range of features which lower energy use and running costs for the homeowner. To achieve high levels of insulation and thermal efficiency, Vale Southern fitted triple glazed windows and patio doors, a ground source heat pump, underfloor heating, and 590 PV slates on all of the bedroom pod roofs.

Tesla Powerwall batteries were also installed, which store solar power for use when required, including if there is a power cut.

Smart technology enables the homeowner to control and monitor lighting, heating and security from a mobile phone.

Bringing the vision to life

Despite restrictions and challenges caused by the pandemic, the project was delivered on programme and within budget. Vale Southern’s collaborative and flexible approach has enabled both the architect and the homeowner to realise their vision for a unique family home that combines sustainable design with luxury living.

The homeowner said: "My wife and I are very pleased with the new home that Vale Southern built for us. It was a difficult task made even more arduous by the pandemic. Throughout the build, Vale Southern accommodated our frequent visits and suggestions. We love the detailed, intricate work that went into critical internal features such as the balcony and stairs. Externally, the strength and solid build of the buttresses and walls was just what we wanted. Overall, this is our perfect retirement home."