The Role of R&D in PAD studio’s Flood-Resilient Home Design

September 18, 2024

In the realm of contemporary architecture, the significance of Research & Development (R&D) cannot be overstated. As designers navigate the complexities of modern challenges – R&D emerges as a vital cornerstone.

At the forefront of this innovation is PAD studio, an award-winning architectural firm based in Hampshire. Recently granted planning permission for two flood-resilient homes in a protected marshland nature reserve, PAD studio exemplifies how R&D drives pioneering solutions that address both aesthetic and environmental needs.

This blog explores how PAD studio leverages R&D to create unique architectural marvels while embracing sustainability and innovation.

 

Case Study: Flood-Resilient Homes in Hampshire Marshland

The flood-resilient homes project in Hampshire marshland exemplifies PAD studio’s dedication to innovative and sustainable design. Faced with the challenge of building within a 0.77-hectare protected flood zone, PAD studio are developing two homes featuring flood proof basements and plant zones with an integrated landscape approach to mitigate flood risks.

This endeavour required an almost maritime approach, with structures anchored like boats yet resilient to flooding. Meticulous R&D underpinned the project, particularly in sourcing unique materials suitable for the sensitive environment. PAD studio has history in this field, as the designers of the Exbury Egg almost 15 years ago – a unique giant floating egg home that captured imaginations and was featured on tv programmes such Grand Designs and Time Magazine.

One notable innovation in these new homes is the glazed roofline with integrated solar PV glass, a first in the UK. This specialised glazing allows natural light to permeate during the day whilst minimising nocturnal glare to protect local foraging bats.

The comprehensive research phase involved detailed collaboration with their structural engineers Webb Yates, the local New Forest National Park planning authority and environmental bodies, ensuring the project adhered to stringent ecological guidelines and flooding requirements. This forward-thinking approach not only preserves the natural beauty of the marshland but also pushes the boundaries of sustainable architecture.

Builders, now on-site, employ locally sourced, sustainable materials, specified in line with PAD Studio’s B-Corp commitment to minimising carbon emissions throughout the construction process. Whilst the house is resilient to flooding by raising the living quarters above the flood zone basements, above ground, the house is entirely constructed of timber to minimise the embodied carbon of the houses. The client is absolutely thrilled that this project is making headway, after what initially appeared to be impossible planning permissions and barriers to development.

 

The Future of Carbon and Sustainability in Architecture

Speaking to PAD studio’s Founder & Design Director, Wendy Perring, on her thoughts about the future of architecture, she commented that “there is still a great deal more to be done by everyone in the industry.”

As the architectural landscape evolves, the urgency to integrate carbon reduction and sustainability into every phase of design and construction intensifies. PAD studio champions a forward-thinking approach, advocating for a paradigm shift that extends beyond mere design aesthetics to embrace a holistic view of sustainability. By 2030, the firm envisions an industry that not only prioritises energy-efficient buildings but also revolutionises the entire construction process to slash carbon emissions.

Their projects stand as exemplars of this philosophy, meticulously crafted to use minimal energy while incorporating sustainable practices from inception to completion. PAD studio’s commitment to locally sourced materials and British-made products reflects a dedication to reducing the environmental impact of transport and manufacturing processes.

Through persistent R&D, they are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, exploring innovative materials and technologies that enhance sustainability without compromising on quality or functionality. This comprehensive approach aims to create buildings that are not only energy-efficient but also contribute positively to their surrounding ecosystems and communities, setting new standards for the industry and inspiring a more sustainable future in architecture.

 

Gaining Competitive Edge with R&D

By embedding Research & Development at the heart of their practice, PAD studio gains a unique competitive edge in the architectural landscape.

Their unwavering focus on innovation allows them to navigate the complexities of planning permissions in highly challenging and sensitive environments such as National parks and AONB’s, setting them apart as pioneers in sustainable design. The firm’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach enable the exploration of unconventional solutions. This commitment to R&D fosters a culture of creativity and problem-solving, attracting clients who seek bespoke, beautiful and environmentally conscious architectural solutions. With each project, PAD studio reinforces its position as a leader in the sector, demonstrating that a robust R&D strategy is indispensable for achieving architectural excellence and sustainability.

By continually challenging conventional norms, PAD studio celebrates the unique characteristics of each project, which allows them to craft spaces that resonate deeply with their settings and the people who inhabit them.

PAD studio’s commitment to R&D is evident in their holistic approach, which merges cutting-edge techniques with a profound respect for environmental and community needs. This ethos has allowed them to tackle complex and sensitive projects, resulting in innovative architectural solutions that seamlessly blend with their natural surroundings. Through R&D, they push the boundaries of what is possible, leveraging novel materials and technologies to address contemporary challenges, while staying true to their core values of sustainability and craftsmanship. This relentless pursuit of innovation ensures that each PAD studio project is not only a testament to creative vision but also a beacon of sustainable practice in the architectural landscape.

 

Working with Bonham & Brook

Selecting the right tax partner to work with on unique projects, such as the Hampshire Saltmarsh build, is pivotal in propelling architectural firms like PAD studio towards the forefront of design and sustainability.

“The team at Bonham & Brook have been a pleasure to work with. They have all been super engaged and interested in our projects. They have a can-do attitude and an energetic and enthusiastic approach” commented, Wendy Perring, Founder & Design Director at PAD studio.

Whilst construction companies may be conducting R&D activities, they may not be maximising the impact that it can have on both their bottom line and the future success of their business, by leveraging R&D to carve them out a niche in the market.

Thomas Nicolson, Head of Partnerships at Bonham & Brook, commented: “Helping make projects, such as PAD studio’s Hampshire Marshland, come to life is really what makes working in the specialist tax sector so rewarding. Witnessing the birth of unique projects that transform ideas into reality, push-boundaries and also make a lasting impact on the environment around us is so special. I believe that there are large volumes of forward-thinking innovators in the UK who could benefit from the funding and cashflow injections that are available through specialist advice.”

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