Light-Filled Contemporary Home in Wivenhoe Featuring VELFAC Windows

Zoe Papadopoulou’s brief to her architect Emil Neumann, of Paul Archer Design, contained two essential requirements for her new home: it must have height, and it must have light.

Nestled in the conservation area of Wivenhoe village, just a few metres from the banks of the Colne River, is the home of artist Zoe Papadopoulou. Clad in black timber, a nod to the old boat building sheds that would once have been a common sight in the area, this new-build, contemporary house is filled with light.

The importance of light

The project was the second time Zoe had worked with Paul Archer Design. They had previously worked together on Zoe’s London home, which also featured VELFAC windows. Emil says, “We’ve used VELFAC windows for many years. Their clean, unfussy design suits our architectural style and are at a realistic price point for customers.”

As an artist, light is important to Zoe, so she has left the windows unadorned to maximise it; the slim frame of VELFAC windows increases the ratio of glass, letting in 25% more light that standard windows. Careful positioning of the windows ensures privacy where it’s important. The rear section of the house opens to a double-height vaulted space with large-format Rationel AuraPlus doors opening wide onto the courtyard garden. Large, fixed, top-lights sit above the doors while VELUX rooflights let even more light into this bright and airy space: “I wanted the things that it wasn’t possible to include in my London home”, says Zoe.

Working within the confines of the plot

When Zoe found the building plot, the concrete slab and drainage had already been laid by the previous owners 20 years before, but a change in circumstances meant the house had never been built. After Zoe secured ownership, she and Emil worked to create a design that would enable them to use the existing slab with only a few minor adjustments.

As well as saving costs on groundworks, using what was already in place was the most sustainable option: “Sustainability was a significant factor in this build, and it was hugely satisfying to be able to use what was already there. It was also a satisfying architectural challenge to design something within the constraints of the form,” says Emil. The constraints also made it easier to keep costs under control.

Creating a warm, energy efficient home

One of Zoe’s main concerns after 30 years living in London was the prospect of the cold, damp air from the river in winter. To ensure Zoe could enjoy a pleasant, constant temperature inside her new home, the building of it was guided by Passivhaus principles. The timber-framed structure is super-insulated and has an air source heat pump and heat recovery ventilation system. The choice of windows was critical in ensuring the property is as airtight as possible. VELFAC 200 triple glazed windows and doors met the thermal performance required.

A moving light installation

Zoe’s favourite space in the house is her bedroom, which features a large, round VELFAC window. Zoe didn’t want to overlook the house behind and the round window means she can see just the tip of the roof while the rest of the view is of the sky: “It’s like a moving light installation,” says Zoe, “the round shape and ever-changing view create a beautiful focal point for the room”.

Healthy living and award winning

Since moving into her new home, Zoe says she feels healthier: “The combination of space, light and perfect temperature year-round makes it a very calming place to be. The large windows also make it easier to feel connected to the outside and I find myself going out for walks along the river whenever I can.”

St John’s House has won and been shortlisted for a number of awards. It has also featured in The Times Homes & Property supplement.