A Double Award Win for Castellum
Nestled in the old grounds of Bisham Abbey and situated on the banks of the River Thames, is our newly completed Lowater project which we are delighted to announce has just been awarded ‘Best Out of London Home’ and ‘Best Home or Development of Outstanding Architectural Merit’ at the London Evening Standard Awards 2023. This was a Design and Build Contract and we are delighted with these accolades.
We partnered with Fletcher Crane Architects who were instructed to design something spectacular that hit the brief and corresponded with the surrounding architecture.
The groundworks for the project required a full-time archaeological watch and brief, due to the sensitive nature of the site. Castellum also had to work closely with an arboriculturist to install the correct root protection due to Tree Preservation Orders and other plants of interest on the site.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of this project and so proud. To win this award is fantastic! We are thrilled both for us, and for our clients who have been a joy to work with.”
BEN JONES, CASTELLUM DIRECTOR
Brickwork and clay roof tiles were selected as the core materials due to their timeless qualities – critical to this riverside home seeking to replicate the same endearing and enduring qualities as the neighbouring buildings. Traditional load bearing brick and cavity blockwork was coordinated with a structural steel frame. This allowed for the very open planned living space to the south, that houses the mezzanine level with additional entertainment spaces.
The fabric and glazing package was designed to achieve the highest possible SAP rating and our clients chose to use a combination of renewable energy to provide electricity and heating. Air source heat pumps were installed to provide heating and hot water. PV panels were installed on the Boat House to help provide electricity for the property. Two electric car charging points were installed within the garage. Water for garden irrigation is from the river (permission was granted by the environmental agency to do this) and a MVHR system provides the whole house with ventilation and bathroom extraction, whilst heat recovery circulates warm air prior to removal from the property.
The result of this collaboration between us as the Main Contractor, Fletcher Crane Architects and some imaginative and forward-thinking clients is a spectacular new family home that looks completely at ease in its historic surroundings.