Sigma® Home

by Stewart Milne Group

As project architect, Alan designed the innovative prototype Sigma® Home, the first dwelling in the UK to achieve a design stage 5 star rating, under the Code for Sustainable Homes, targeted at mainstream development. This research and development project, for Stewart Milne Group, a privately owned UK House builder and timber frame manufacturer, is on permanent display at the BRE Innovation Park in Watford.

On a tiny 8m x 8m plot Alan carefully designed two stunning homes which won a great deal of positive publicity, as well as the National House Building Awards for innovation in 2007. This was achieved by combining great architecture with a sound knowledge of eco design principles and modern methods of construction. The homes benefit from split level living to achieve a contemporary feel, spacious living environment and are packed with environmental features including high levels of thermal insulation, air tightness, grey water recycling, photo voltaic panels, solar hot water, micro wind turbines and whole house ventilation.

Currently the house is being monitored with a family living in it, for each of the four seasons. This is providing valuable feedback on the architectural design, usability of the home and its technology.