Using a prefabricated timber cassette system, Knox Bhavan architects have created an energy-efficient home that addresses the specific physical needs of a client who is paralysed from the shoulders down.
Image © Edmund Sumner
The low-lying T-shaped arrangement of the house was carefully developed through close consultation between architect and client to facilitate his independence with the support of full-time carers. A large sweeping roof provides weather protection when entering the house, while open-plan, double-height living areas support easy access and communication with guests and carers.
Image © Edmund Sumner
Expansive glazing connects indoor and outdoor spaces, and the inclusion of a sky-lit studio provides a serene space for the client’s mouth-painting art practice.
The use of structural OSB cassettes, rock-wool insulation and larch cladding was informed by the client’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Although a concrete slab and piled foundations where necessary due to the proximity to trees, the carbon-sequestering above-ground construction helped to minimise the environmental impact of the project and provided an envelope with excellent thermal performance.
Image © Edmund Sumner
The Little Big House is Knox Bhavan’s second project completed using the innovative MMC cassette system that was developed in partnership with modular manufacturer BlokBuild and engineers Price & Myers for March House (a case study of which can be read here).
As with March House, the modular, prefabricated approach helped to overcome site access limitations and allowed rapid superstructure assembly through dry construction techniques, with minimal waste.
This time however, following a rigorous R&D process, the team have evolved and customised the system to achieve large roof spans up to 7 metres, along with tapered edges and flush fixings, improving its efficacy further.
Image © Edmund Sumner
By combining innovative construction methods and sustainable design practices, this inspiring home showcases MMC’s great potential to execute highly tailored architectural projects. The building uses Siberian Larch cladding, which is FSC Certified and which has a Sioo X Light Grey Coat. The cassettes are Medite Smart Ply OSB 3, supplied by James Lathams, and is both FSC and PEFC Certified.
