Issue 46 April 25 web - Flipbook - Page 113
1970’s Retro refit
An innovative retrofit project in Hertfordshire has led the way in considering how historic property
can meet 21st century needs.
This self-funded project by Scott Batty saw the architect
turn over his own home to become an active tool to
address the realities of housing refurbishment in the UK,
developing strategies for improvements that minimise cost
and inconvenience whilst delivering a more modern,
efficient home.
"It is difficult for me to separate out a role as a 'client', as
this is our family home and it has been a self-built project
for us, but I will try: I believe this project deserves an
RIBA Award because the design is beautiful, because it
helps us live our lives and because it is innovative, whilst
remaining true to its core.
The design aesthetic honours the 70s form, with a
brickwork ground floor and timber-clad upper levels.
Taking the concept of a “lifetime of living”, the space is
maximised by opening, connecting and reusing as
opposed to demolishing, while new insulation, cladding,
heating and glazing provide an environmentally-sound
“overcoat” for the home.
The design is beautiful. Beautiful to us means a building
that sits well in its environment – blends with it and does
not dominate.
Russwood products are used extensively throughout,
with SILA Select® Siberian Larch board-on-board
cladding selected for its maintenance-free longevity and
natural weathering. SILA Select® also lends itself to detailing such as fascias, soffits, timber fins and fencing. Vertical Grain Siberian Larch is used for the external decking
and fixed with GleitFix® which creates a ventilated gap
between the decking boards and substructure preventing
moisture trapping as well as giving a flawless “secret-fix”
aesthetic.
A building that is striking, but not over-bearing.
A building that balances beauty with functionality. Use
of cladding, simple white interior with pops of colour,
generous glazing, areas for supporting the elegance (sitting
room) and messiness of family life (utility room) and garden design that continues the design, all contribute to
achieve a sum which is beautiful.
It also reflects our real-life. The house is not showy; it does
not intimidate and feels a welcoming space for daily
family-life and visitors. The kitchen is light, humble and
functional; the focus on the fire in the sitting room is
calming after a busy day; the bathrooms are simple and
