Tranquil in Drem

Job: Tranquil in Drem

Type: House Alterations & Extension

Location: Drem, East Lothian

Summary: This project was primarily to bring the adult generations of a family into one property in order that one family member with specific care needs could be provided with the necessary cover 24/7.

The original detached house set in a large private garden within the countryside. However, that house was unsuitable in providing all of the care needs. As a result a new house bespoke to those care requirements was designed and built. That house being built as an extension of the original house complete with internal link and the sharing of the new heating system.

The conditions required a tranquil environment without noise, vibration or disturbance. In addition a pleasant outlook over the garden and fields was a benefit.

The new dwelling comprised two bedrooms, one of which being to wheelchair standard with the ability to accommodate more specialised aids in due course. The bathroom to satisfy disabled standards, the living / dining room and kitchen to wheelchair standards. In addition care was taken to ensure the hallway, the arrangement of all doorways and access all around the outside of the house being carefully designed for ease of wheelchair access.

Heating and general comfort within the property was a key concern, resulting in south facing windows to benefit from sunlight, while various energy sourcing systems such as geothermal, ground source, wind and air source were all considered. Some were discarded due to risk of noise and vibration and others discarded due to inadequate site area to be effective. Finally an air source system was utilised.

The new, large double garage also accommodated the air source equipment and associated plan. Being detached from the house helped reduce the risk of any noise or vibration reaching the house. A service duct linking the garage with the house.