This 3,000 sqft new build house in a leafy and sought-after West Berkshire village replaces the owners’ previous home, which was lost in a gas explosion and resulting fire. We worked closely with the owners and their insurance loss adjusters to not only rebuild this home, but rebuild it better.

The three-storey building is future-proofed with state-of-the-art insulation, glazing specifications and air-source heat pump in conjunction with extensive Photovoltaic panels, generating 70% of the heat and hot water demand through on-site renewables.

A centralized mechanical heat recovery and ventilation system, underfloor heating and smart home automation will make this home almost twice as energy efficient as the one it replaces.

Quality materials used include hand-thrown brickwork, stone copings and creasing tile sills, bespoke timber doors and canopies, clay roof tiles and porcelain flooring throughout, and composite timber-metal windows of highest specifications.

HAA provided full architectural services as lead consultant, from 3D enabled concept designs to planning applications, coordinated Stage 4 building regulations and tender packages, and contract administration.

Works are due to be completed in summer 2025, nearly three years to the day after the explosion.

Main contactor: Kingsmen Ltd. Reading