Creating a Sustainable Split-Level Annex on a Challenging Sloping Site
At Tekkwise, we believe that a challenging site can often provide the opportunity for something truly special. This recently completed annex project is a great example of how thoughtful design, sustainable construction and close collaboration with local builders can transform a difficult sloping garden into a beautiful and highly practical living space.
The existing garden had a significant change in levels, which presented an interesting design challenge. Rather than trying to level the entire site, we designed the annex as a split-level building, allowing the new accommodation to work naturally with the existing contours of the garden.
This approach not only reduced the need for extensive excavation but also created an interesting and spacious internal layout.
Although connected to the main dwelling, the annex has been designed to feel independent and self-contained, providing flexible additional accommodation while remaining closely connected to the existing home.
The accommodation is arranged over two levels.
The upper level contains a large double bedroom, spacioous bathroom and kitchen/ dining area.
The lower level provides a generous lounge, designed as the main living and relaxation space.
The split-level arrangement makes excellent use of the site's natural fall while creating a clear separation between the living and sleeping accommodation.
One of the key features of the design is the vaulted ceiling within the lounge.
Increasing the ceiling height gives the room a wonderful sense of space and volume, while large glazed doors open directly onto the garden. This creates a strong connection between the interior and exterior and allows the occupants to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
The result is a bright, comfortable and welcoming living space that feels considerably larger than its footprint might suggest.
Sustainability was an important consideration throughout the project.
The annex was constructed using JUWO Smartwall clay blocks, an eco-friendly building system that provides excellent thermal performance while retaining the natural breathability of clay construction.
The system helps to create a comfortable internal environment while reducing the building's heating requirements. The benefits include:
Excellent thermal efficiency
Natural breathability
Reduced energy consumption
Improved internal comfort
Sustainable and durable construction
The thermal performance of the completed building has been particularly impressive.
Thanks to the eco-friendly construction, high levels of thermal efficiency and careful detailing of the building envelope, the annex requires very little additional heating.
In fact, a single wood-burning stove in the lounge is sufficient to heat the entire annex, making this a wonderfully simple and efficient heating solution.
The stove also provides a natural focal point within the vaulted lounge, creating a warm and cosy space without the need for a complicated heating system.
As with many construction projects, the build wasn't without its challenges.
Working closely with local builders Colin and Ruby Jeans, we had to overcome some particularly difficult conditions during the winter construction period.
The sloping site resulted in significant groundwater issues, which required careful management during the construction of the foundations and lower-level areas.
The project also required substantial retaining walls to support the existing dwelling and manage the change in ground levels. These structural elements were carefully incorporated into the design to ensure the stability and longevity of both the new annex and the existing property.
Through close collaboration between the design team, engineers and Colin and Ruby, the challenges were successfully overcome and the project progressed through to completion.
The completed annex provides a wonderful example of how good architectural design can make the most of a challenging site.
By working with the natural slope rather than fighting against it, we were able to create a spacious two-level home that is connected to the main dwelling but has a strong sense of independence.
The combination of the vaulted living space, garden connection, sustainable JUWO construction and exceptionally low heating requirement has resulted in a comfortable and energy-efficient building that will provide flexible accommodation for many years to come.
We're particularly pleased with how this project has brought together good design, sustainable construction and practical solutions to difficult site conditions – demonstrating that some of the most challenging sites can also produce some of the most interesting buildings.
Thinking about an annex, extension or new-build project?
At Tekkwise, we work with you from the initial ideas and feasibility stage through to planning, Building Regulations and construction. Every project is individually designed to respond to its site, its surroundings and the needs of the people who will use it.
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