"All the locally sourced wood, cut in such a wav as to minimise waste, contributes to the building's sustainability credentials”

As the living areas face the street on the sunny north side of the plot, Ben Callery designed a pergola partially surrounded by silvertop ash slats, which match the exterior cladding, at the front of the house. It serves several functions, providing shade in summer, passive heat gain from the low sun in winter and privacy from passers-by. 'All the locally sourced wood, cut in such a way as to minimise waste, contributes to the buildings sustainability credentials,' says Ben.

Along with the pergola, projecting steel lintels above the north-facing windows keep out the fierce sunlight. And with windows on both sides of the house, cross ventilation also helps the rooms stay cool. So Tim and Ann hardly have need of their mechanical air-conditioning or gas boiler because Ben's meticulous approach to shading, ventilation and insulation ensures the temperature is comfortable all vear round. The 8.25kW array of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof and a solar battery team up to charge the couple's electric car and power the air-source heat pump, which supplies the house's hot water.

- Text by Emily Brooks (Grand Designs UK)