OAK FRAMED, THATCHED NEW HOUSE

This cottage is strikingly different to what you would expect from New Forest vernacular. It was designed as three linking elements, a central living core above a basement, with two bedroom wings. All have vaulted ceilings and have high sustainability credentials, with a ground source heat pump system providing underfloor heating and hot water, constructed out of traditional, locally sourced materials. The thatch, together with board insulation, created an acoustic warm roof. The green oak frame was manufactured off-site, and craned into position from the local pub carpark as access was so challenging.