Backwater
By Platform 5 Architects
This stunning waterside new build is the work of Platform 5 Architects, whose design overcame the various difficulties posed by the challenging site in the Norfolk Broads. The house sits on a small promontory (raised area) in a secluded lagoon and features dual pitched roofs in a nod to nearby boat sheds. The remote, largely off-grid location required careful planning, as a semi-submerged sewage treatment plant had to be installed next to the river.
Due to limited access (the materials had to be brought to site by barge), the home was constructed with a lightweight timber frame on a piled ground structure. The house is clad in black-stained timber shingles, a traditional element that allows this modern dwelling to fit with the local vernacular.
The property is raised above the waterline, with floodwater flowing beneath the deck surrounding the structure. Extensive glazing facing the lagoon gives residents a relaxing view, while a deep canopy creates a sheltered outdoor area. Inside, the owners have chosen a minimalist look for their home. The house, named Backwater, won the Custom & Self Build Project of The Year in the Structural Timber Awards 2017.y Platform 5 Architects