Sailor's House | OB Architecture

Deeply passionate about sustainable and low impact living, the owners of Sailor’s House had a singular vision; to create a contemporary home that produces enough renewable energy to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

The result is a beautifully crafted, unassuming, environmentally responsible building that blends into its setting next to a Grade II Listed church in a quiet coastal town.

All elements of the design concept, orientation and architectural detailing were influenced by the integration of sustainable building solutions, whilst also taking inspiration from the owners’ other passion for sailing and life on the water. The home needed to provide flexible space for family and friends to socialise, work and accommodate a full sailing team when needed.

With a ‘Z’ footprint, the layout delivers a series of cosy, intimate spaces at ground floor, alongside a self-contained boat store and utility for sailing equipment. The master bedroom was purposefully placed on the ground floor, with only guest accommodation found on the second, meaning that individual storeys can be fully closed off when not in use, saving on heat and energy waste.

The home’s high performing building fabric, excellent levels of airtightness and pioneering integrated renewable and sustainable technologies, controlled by a bespoke building management system, allowed the home to achieve regulated energy use which borders the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge target.

Sailor’s House has been shortlisted for Best Use of Smart Technology in the British Homes Awards 2022 and for the Low Energy Project of the Year and Project of the Year at the Structural Timber Awards 2022.