Coat House
Marlborough, UK, 2014
Courtesy of Atelier One
Courtesy of Atelier One
About the project
Created by Atelier One, ‘Coat House’ is an environmentally conscious, low cost, housing design concept that is broken down into three layers. Layer one is the ‘Engine’ which is also referred to as the brain, heart and lungs of the house. It contains all major services and is located centrally serving all adjacent rooms. The second layer referred to as the ‘space’ is the main body of the house surrounding the ‘engine’, including all other rooms, floors, walls and ceiling panels-essentially everything minus the external façade which forms layer three, known as the ‘coat’. This external facade layer provides flexibility to meet local planning requirements alongside client’s personal preferences with flexibility in the style and materials used. A contemporary or vernacular timber coat can be added, or alternatively, so can a more traditional brick-based façade.
In 2014, the first ‘Coat House’ was built – Robin Cottage, Marlborough was constructed with a brick-based façade / coat.
Courtesy of Atelier One
The process
‘Coat House’ utilises modular construction methods. Each engine and the building panels are fabricated under controlled, factory conditions before being transported to site. The elements are then lifted onto pre-prepared foundations that are raised above ground level on piles. Each floor is then connected, insulated and the façade added alongside any finishing touches. The main structural material used for construction is timber which is not only hard wearing but makes the structure carbon negative. As a natural material it is also formaldehyde free and more breathable, helping to avoid condensation and fungal growth over time.
Courtesy of Atelier One
Courtesy of Atelier One
Courtesy of Atelier One
Courtesy of Atelier One
The outcome
Adaptable, the ‘Coat House’ concept does not only apply to one style/ design of house. It’s shape and the number of rooms etc. can be altered so long as it follows the three-layered design concept and modular construction methodology. For instance, it could be applied to a block of apartments. The ‘Coat House’ concept allows for flexibility within the following aspects: plan / size / unit combinations / range of typologies / optional extras to be added in. The overall outcome is a new way of developing and building homes that is efficient, low cost and more environmentally friendly which could eventually be adopted on a mass scale for a brighter, greener future.
Courtesy of Atelier One
Courtesy of Atelier One
Credits
Structural Engineer: Atelier One
Architect: Atelier One
Client: Atelier One / FAO
Contractor: Brunel Developments, SVM Baltic, JCT Minor Works
Photographs: Atelier One