PARAGRAPH 79 PROJECT

Multigeneration Paragraph 79 Home

This innovative agriculturally based project is at the early stages of a paragraph 79 application. The unique home will be built for a multi-generational family with several wings and a communal living space at the centre of the building. The site includes many acres of diverse native woodland, market garden, orchards, grassland and productive micro-farming land. Requiring exceptional architecture and high eco credentials the home needs to show outstanding energy efficiency to gain planning approval.

Top-down view of a circular building model beside a bright blue pool and desert-like pathways
Gravel path leading to a modern brick building with trees and autumn foliage
Modern building with curved glass facade, surrounded by tall grass and landscaped shrubs at sunset

Mesh were asked to undertake a site wide pre-planning feasibility report looking at the best energy strategy. The home shaped in a radial form and utilising a hub and spoke roof with central fire feature has the option of using biomass or anaerobic digestion using abundant on-site resources. Solar PV tracking the sun through the day and a novel mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system will contribute to the innovative aspects of the scheme. Through thermal and ventilation modelling we were able to work with the architects to refine the design and maximise natural energy from the sun whilst limiting overheating driving down the building energy usage by 75%.

Shading Models

3D site plan of a radial building cluster labeled “Spring Midday,” with tan and green wings around a central circle
3D site plan of a tan circular building with radial wings on a white background, labeled “Summer Midday”
Aerial view of a tan building with a circular center and multiple radiating wings on a green background
3D building complex with tan radial wings around a central circle, labeled “Autumn Midday”

We have successfully completed:

  • Dynamic thermal modelling
  • Light impact assessment
  • Paragraph 79 energy strategy study
  • Carbon and sustainable construction report

Project architect:

Hawkes Architecture

Project info here

Outlined word “HAWKES” in white with black border on a light background

Project Status:

Mesh is assisting Richard Hawkes in preparing required material for the Design Review Panel meeting and subsequent system design. The project continues…