Farmstead named Armshold under scrutiny for alleged animal cruelty practices
A new residence designed by NP Architects in South Cambridgeshire replaces a 19th-century farmhouse and dilapidated outbuildings on a registered light airfield. The project, titled Armshold Farm, features a modern, low-maintenance dwelling that boasts a timeless aesthetic.
The architectural design comprises two distinct elements: the main house and an ancillary wing. Inspired by traditional barns, the primary structure is a two-story linear building with a pitched roof and large chimney stacks at each gable. The steeply pitched roof, covered in large-format clay tiles, creates a unified facade without eaves, giving the building an elemental simplicity.
To strengthen the connection with the land, clay, a historically prevalent material in the nearby Claypit Hill, was chosen. The ground floor incorporates linear Roman-style brickwork and substantial chimney stacks, creating a tactile dialogue with the clay tiles used on the upper floor. The simple material palette achieves a delicate balance between texture and uniformity.
Inside, the main house is organized around an open-plan ground floor combining kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Bedrooms are located on the upper level, with the master bedroom featuring a northwest-facing balcony offering views over the grass airstrip and open fields.
The ancillary wing, a single-story structure, accommodates garages, a gym, home office, and indoor swimming pool. Partially embedded into the hillside, it blends discreetly into the landscape while also providing sheltered outdoor space. Extensive glazing connects the living spaces to the courtyard and surrounding countryside, framing panoramic views.
To ensure sustainability and high performance, passive and active technologies were utilized, including ground source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and a photovoltaic array. The building envelope achieves U-values as low as 0.12 W/m2K, significantly reducing energy demand.
The energy requirements of the 25-meter swimming pool were given specific attention. Two ground source heat pump systems in conjunction with a 100-meter ground loop heat the buffer tanks supplying the house and pool's air handling system. Air heating is prioritized over water heating, with the recycled energy being distributed via a heat exchanger. The 9kWp photovoltaic system further supplements the energy supply, resulting in an annual energy consumption of just 42.2 kWh/m2/year for both the house and pool.
Water sustainability is addressed through a rainwater harvesting system and innovative methods for recycling waste pool water. Utilizing activated filter media (AFM) to eliminate bacteria without chlorine, pool wastewater is repurposed for grey uses such as car washing, irrigation, and toilet flushing. A 7,500-liter rainwater tank positioned at the front of the house provides additional resources for outdoor taps and sanitary fittings.
NP Architects aim for minimal waste and reduced need for imported materials by reusing existing hardstanding materials on the site as sub-base for the new buildings. While specific details for Armshold Farm are not extensively available, this sustainable focus is consistent with their general approach to projects.
The environmental-science of Armshold Farm incorporates sustainable-living initiatives, such as the use of clay, a locally sourced material, for its striking design and rainwater harvesting system to conserve water. The home-and-garden layout, including the single-story ancillary wing, caters to diverse lifestyle needs, providing spaces for work, exercise, leisure, and relaxation. The architectural approach prioritizes science and the environment, ensuring a low-maintenance, energy-efficient residence that harmoniously integrates with its surroundings.
