Yew Tree House, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, England
Private 370 sq m - 5 bedroom with ensuite, living room, dining room, kitchen, 2 storey day space and conservatory, visitors room, laundry room, utility and 2nd kitchen, media room, office space, double garage.

Demolition of a 1960's bungalow provided the site for the house.

Two axis's pass though the house at right angles to each other, one from the front door extends through the house to a focal point formed by a sculpture in the garden beyond. A subtle heightening of perspective with diminishing lines gives an impression of greater distance.

The second axis crosses the house as a double height volume with southerly views into the garden. This runs from glass stairs to the main living room and master bedroom and connects kitchen, dining room and conservatory with balcony over accessing media room, study and bedrooms.

Passive solar principles have influenced the design. Glazing is protected with deep roof overhangs and the conservatory exposed glazing provides useful solar gain but is also protected with external blinds. A highly insulated, high thermal mass structure compliments the sustainable nature of the house. 2 heat low watt heat recovery ventilation units and 5 solar thermal panels suppliment the hot water demand and further reduce the energy demand of the house in use.

The front of the house provides a view of Wales across the Severn Valley
is available to the north from the dining room and main living space.

South facing garden terrace, the conservatory is protected from over heating by external blinds.