As seen on Grand Designs – The Arc, Boxford
The Arc is a stunning architect-designed eco-home which featured on Grand Designs in 2010. It offers a spacious open plan layout with four bedrooms and benefits from solar panels, underfloor heating, wood burning stoves and polished concrete floors for maximum energy efficiency.
Current owner Jonathan Belsey chose Lincolnshire-based architect Jerry Harrall to design this contemporary home due to his experience of designing eco-friendly buildings.
Jonathan said: “I gave Jerry a very open brief, but stressed that I wanted the home to be as ecologically sustainable as possible, yet suitable for family life.”
Throughout the build, Jonathan ensured that wherever they could, they used either recycled or repurposed materials. Constructed from dense, recycled concrete blocks there is a great deal of insulation on the outside, which acts like a storage heater and helps to keep the heat in during the winter. Whereas the roof, made from 95% recycled aluminium is shielded from the heat of the sun, keeping the house cool during the summer months.
The Arc’s single storey design means everyone can stay connected – ideal for a family. It’s incredibly high ceilings provide the added feeling of airiness and a sense of freedom, and the curved walls ensure you can never see the end of the home, but instead are taken on a journey through the building.
Jonathan added: “It was Grand Designs that inspired me to build the house. I’ve done renovations in the past, but without the programme, I would never have thought that a regular guy like myself could have the opportunity to build something for my family.”
On the market with Fenn Wright Signature, The Arc’s large wooden door pivots open, leading you into a light filled vaulted hallway. This provides access to the outside and opens directly into the main kitchen and living space in the house.
The master bedroom, which lies at the end of the entrance hall, offers beautiful views across the courtyard, landscaped garden and beyond. The bathroom situated at the back of the property has a Japanese bath and also offers views across the garden.
If you’re looking for a moment of relaxation and tranquillity, the outside seating area to the rear of the property lets you take in the spectacular views that Boxford has to offer.
Jonathan continued: “It will be a sad day when we move out of the house, but with our four children now grown up and in their own homes, it’s time for a new chapter in our lives. Since having The Arc built, we’ve most certainly caught the development bug. We’re currently constructing a holiday home in Greece, and you never know, sometime in the future we may have another project here in the UK too.”