Rushmere Road
Ipswich Society Awards 2020:
Commendation
‘A very brave domestic development – demolishing an existing property to build this small but outstanding property. It is a bold well executed modern design, a spirited statement, given its surroundings. In a nod to the late sixties in design and a striking attempt at a modern house, the architects and owner have produced an individual style for the 21st century. A commendable project.’
Ipswich Society
A new dwelling replacing an existing detached property on the site suffering from subsidence. Our clients Richard and Lizzie Suttle have lived on the site for many years and have had the desire to re-build since retirement. Richard is a former chief building control officer and he and Lizzie were keen to design, build and live in a contemporary home.
From the outset the construction methodology was key to the design, the client being focussed on a highly sustainable, well insulated, low energy building. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) would be used, together with renewable technologies. A SIPs approach would allow the principal frame construction to undertaken by a specialist with Richard and Lizzie then able to take over with managing all sub-contractors whilst contributing physically to the works taking place. The SIPs are clad with thousands of brick slips, all of them fitted and pointed by Richard and Lizzie.
The design approach has been to create a contemporary dwelling that responds to the changed lifestyle of our clients, providing an open plan living and entertainment space at ground floor level, opening out to a generous south sun lit patio and garden space. The large open plan kitchen, dining, and living space has added light and height generated by the open stairwell with a dramatic roof light stretching up the front elevation and over onto the slope of the roof, opening up to a and generous well lit galleried landing space.
Upstairs the house provides three modest bedrooms and a family bathroom. The Master bedroom is augmented by a first floor terrace, with a southern aspect, with views out over the adjacent park.
