in the scheme of things one million off-grid residences will not affect climate change. but the concept does inspire. what about off-grid condos, off-grid towers, neighborhoods…
designed by studio bark, black barn is a new-build house ( 2019 ) residing in dallinghoo, suffolk. conceived as a floating sculptural form surrounded by wild meadow grass, the 3,500 square foott (322-square meter) residence incorporates a range of environmental technologies and was granted planning permission under paragraph 55 – now paragraph 79 = of the national planning policy framework (nppf).
the upper-ground floor is bright, dramatic, and expansive. the lower-ground floor plan embraces the outside landscape. the kitchen is located in the center of the plan. the children’s playroom is kept open to maximize views between the different spaces.
the lower-ground floor is partly embedded into the site and is designed to be simple, functional and calm. all the bedrooms and bathrooms are shaded from direct solar gain, remaining cool and comfortable in the summer. the lowering and recessing of the ground-floor gives the impression that the timber structure is floating above the grasses, while also reducing the building’s visible mass.
the modern house is a sensitive interpretation of the black agricultural barn – a typology that’s scattered throughout east anglia, and references the site’s historic context as a poultry farm.
externally, the lower level is faced in locally-sourced flint with a lime-based mortar. above, the living spaces are clad in shou sugi ban (charred western red cedar). the charring process preserves the timber naturally and non-toxically, enhancing its durability.
the project’s efficient energy use concept employs passive heating and ventilation, high levels of air-tightness and insulation. a solar array, bio-diesel generator with a heat recovery system, battery storage, borehole water source and packaged sewage system allow the house to function off-grid.
[ studio bark ] photos: lenny codd
