Finally a conception that blends rationality and greenness with a unique aesthetic value; this is the winning proposal from Ian Simpson Architects (winners of a design competition) that calls for total conversion of two disused water tanks into a fully livable as well as sustainable dwelling. Proposed to be situated at a site in Barnacre-with-Bonds, North Lancashire, this location provides a paradisiacal confluence of the nearby sea and the adjacent lush landscape.
The low carbon proposal encompasses two distinct water reservoirs, with two separate spatial elements to be designed ‘inside’ each one of them. The larger water reservoir will contain an expansive country home with 6 bedrooms, while the smaller reservoir will comprise of a holiday cottage with 2 bedrooms. These two spatial forms would be separated by aptly thought out zoning, but the whole combined conception bears a singularly naturalistic essence from outside.
Spatial characteristics aside, the architects are also taking care to incorporate a plethora of sustainable elements including natural lighting facilities, ground source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels for clean power generation as well as green roofing along the undulations of the water tanks. The earth berm technique to be utilized on the rear side will provide adequate heat insulation and also contribute to the naturalistic continuation of the landscape. The aesthetic criteria, thus fulfilled, will make the project an intrinsic part of the beautiful natural setting.
And that’s not all; the designers have also envisaged a construction procedure that will totally forgo the usage of polluting cement. The super-structure will retain the concrete, which was used during the building of the water tanks themselves. After numerous tests, researchers have interestingly found out that these concrete elements have still maintained their stability as well strength in spite of so many years.
Via: Dezeen
