Upper Hill House

This split-level family dwelling slots into a hill and steps down in response to the undulations of the countryside’s natural contours, where it overlooks the Bann Valley.
Accessed down a laneway and next to agricultural ground, the front of the house appears as a single storey cottage, with high solid to void ratios providing privacy and protection from passing tractors and machinery. The back of the site is more contemporary, with large areas of glazing offering views over the River Bann for the living spaces on the upper floor and the bedrooms tucked underneath. The dwelling style draws on traditional shapes, massing and materials, including natural stone and timber cladding, to maintain and enhance the character of the existing farm

This house was designed to passive standards encompassing high levels of thermal insulation, a heat recovery ventilation system and air source heat pump powered by PV panels. It provides high levels of occupancy comfort with minimal running costs.