LSI Architects (Norwich and London) has won a RIBA East (Royal Institute of British Architects) Spirit of Ingenuity Award for The Haven at Horning. The Haven is a low energy new private residence in the heart of the Broads that required sensitive design due to its prominent location and used best environmental practice. The Haven was one of two winners in the Residential Design category.


LSI Architects has also won the Galvanizers Association Sustainable Award 2011 for The Haven, as well as Norfolk Association of Architects New Residential and Specialist Trade – Carpentry and Joinery awards. The Haven has been shortlisted for the CPRE Norfolk Awards 2011.

The RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Awards recognise the design ingenuity and architectural excellence of architects and their clients across the East of England for schemes designed within the region. There are seven award categories.

The Haven replaced an existing house in an area subject to frequent flooding. Its prominent location on the riverbank required a contemporary design that would complement the local area.

Trevor Price, LSI Partner who led the project said: “We are delighted that our work to develop a high quality, low energy modern dwelling to enhance the local area, has been recognised with a RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Award. The Haven was created using the sustainable design principles that are set out in the sustainability guide that we researched and produced for the Broads Authority, which is now part of the National Park’s local development framework.”

“To solve the problem of flooding risk, the house was raised 1.3m above the ground,“ added Trevor Price. This combined with the open structure of the boathouse allows flood water to flow across the site and gives the owners a superb elevated view.”

Maria Hammond, Planning Assistant at the Broads Authority commented that the project makes “a positive contribution to the character of the Horning riverside and the wider Broads landscape, demonstrating how a sensitively designed contemporary solution can be a welcome addition to a familiar scene.”

Sustainable Design

The building is insulated above current standards and constructed mainly in timber, is clad with Accoya and also uses galvanised steel. The house has a sedum moss roof. The energy for underfloor heating comes from a ground source heat pump and photo-voltaics on the boathouse roof provide the electricity. The house in-use is virtually carbon neutral.

www.LSIarchitects.co.uk

Photograph: Blue Pearl Photographic