Low Energy House
- (roman handmade brick)
- (douglas fir)
- (concrete)
Magri Williams designed a new-build, low-energy house in Liverpool, set within a leafy suburban context. The project creates a calm and considered home with a strong connection to nature, developed alongside an energy consultant to reduce energy demand and meet future performance standards.
The form takes reference from the familiar typology of a pitched residential house, but is reworked in a contemporary way through a dual-pitch roof, monolithic brick façade, oversized asymmetric windows and deep window reveals. In close collaboration with the brick manufacturer, a bespoke brick was developed to keep the roof junction crisp and minimal.
The house is designed around a series of crafted moments that support everyday life. In the hallway, a built-in bench creates a quiet place to sit, while a rooflight brings natural light into the double-height space. Other bespoke elements include a silver travertine island, Douglas fir headboard and oversized natural stone sink.
The material palette references the local vernacular through brick, but uses a long, slim roman brick to create a more contemporary expression. Its warm grey tone is complemented internally by concrete floors, clay walls and Douglas fir ceiling joists and joinery, creating a calm and tactile interior.
Externally, planting beds are set close to the house to embed the building within its setting. A large timber sliding door spans the width of the main living space, creating a close connection between inside and out and drawing views of the garden into the home.
Sustainability was integral from the outset. The house uses a fabric-first strategy, with enhanced insulation creating an efficient thermal envelope. An air source heat pump provides fossil-fuel-free hot water and space heating, supporting a low-energy home designed for long-term performance.