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King’s Mews

Project Profile – King’s Mews, London, WC1N 2JB

Project description – Construction of Modern Mews Dwelling on an undeveloped plot in Kings Mews. The site was originally occupied by a storage warehouse. 

Consultant – Justin Bere is a Director of Bere Architects. A firm who carry out Passivhaus work designed to provide sustainable, healthy, comfortable buildings that perform well and look beautiful. Justin is the author of ‘An introduction to Passive House’ published by the RIBA.

Budget  – Undisclosed.

Design Inspirations  – Whilst the original building is largely without Architectural Merit the efforts were made to preserve some of the original features such as the original brick wall.

Justin Bere uses or applies Passivhaus to design the whole house. This concept reduces the permitted space heating demand and primary energy consumption for a building. It applies a robust energy performance specification and utilises the concept of holistic low energy design. Passiv haus standards impose an overall limit in the primary energy consumption which promotes energy efficiency in all areas. 

In a Passivhaus thermal comfort is achieved through the use of passive measures, through the application of :-

  1. Good levels of ventilation and minimal thermal bridges
  2. Passiv solar gains and internal sources
  3. Excellent air tightness 
  4. Good indoor air quality provided by  mechanical whole house ventilation system
  5. The use of highly efficient heat recovery ventilation

Justin produced the first certified Passivhaus building in London in 2010 and is now recognised as one of the most influential people in UK sustainability.

Project Notes and Timescale – The building was constructed for a private client in 2014.

The original footprint has been followed but it has been extended downwards with the construction of the basement which required the walls to be underpinned.

The project is now complete and is occupied.

Technological appraisal and Review – The building has two main design influences; it has been modelled on The Muse (see separate project profile) in that it steps up to a top floor that overlooks the garden. It also is influenced by the designs of the 1920’s Swedish Architect – Sigurd Lewerentz – who was a favourite of the client.

This is seen in the façade which has a stone like quality to the brickwork created by smudging the surface with mortar. The building has both a Scandinavian modernist influence and as well as impressive green credentials. The materials have been used for its construction reflect the need for building to provide the optimal energy responses to its environment. 

Future Mews Projects – Justin is currently working both on this project and other Mews Projects.

Contact Details – Justin Bere, Bere Architects , 54A Newington Green, London, N16 9PX/ 73 Poets Road, London, N5 2SH  email:- info@bere.co.uk Telephone:- +44 (0) 207 241 1064

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