Technology within – harmony without

Located on the outskirts of the New Forest in Hampshire, Sway is a village, renowned for its friendliness and proximity to forests and coastlines attracts families, early retirees, London-escapees, as well as occasional commuters and second homeowners.
 
Sway forms part of the wider Lymington area in Hampshire, a well-established residential setting. Anderwood Homes – a small housebuilder on the south coast of England specialising in developing energy-efficient, high-quality homes – created three bungalows using a mix of traditional elements with innovative, future-focused products. 

The developer’s goal was to build homes that combine traditional architectural character with contemporary building standards, while preserving a connection to the surrounding nature and neighbourhood. “As energy costs rise, improving thermal performance and reducing running costs was a priority – not just for us, but for the long-term benefit of the homeowners“, says Steve Tyrell of Anderwood Homes.
 
To achieve this goal, the developers chose the Eco-brick system alongside a complete external envelope including Sandtoft 20/20 roof tiles, a dry ridge system and in-roof solar tiles – resulting in an excellent EPC A rating. The Eco-brick system is a standout feature of the project. Firstly, the product was selected in part because of its lower embodied carbon impact compared with conventional brickwork solutions.. Secondly, the significantly slimmer brick allows for improved insulation while maintaining the traditional brick look. Insulation can be added into the remaining cavity or the interior, keeping the external finish untouched. 

Maintaining a traditional external look was especially challenging with the prospect of a modern, future-ready roof. The solution appeared as Sandtoft in-roof solar panels seamlessly integrated into the roofline. With its interlocking design, the in-roof solar solution provides easy installation and maintenance and at the same time protection from wind and weather. The in-roof solar panels sit flush within the roof, maintaining a clean and cohesive appearance.
 
Their integrated design allows them to blend seamlessly with the surrounding roof tiles. Together with the 20/20 Antique Slate roof tiles, the in-roof solar modules create a classic look that makes technological progress obvious but unobtrusive. Even the rainwater pipes intentionally recede into the background, fulfilling their tasks from a point of invisibility.
 
FloPlast rainwater systems are used throughout the scheme, contributing to a consistent external finish. “The final result is a development that not only looks high quality but provides real, tangible benefits for the people living here“, says Steve Tyrell. With a range of products chosen for their technical and aesthetic characteristics, the result is a cohesive external envelope that balances traditional character with contemporary design requirements.