Requirement

Award-winning Hall + Bednarczyk Architects were tasked with the design of a new 400m2 family home in Monmouthshire, which re-purposed a historic Arts and Crafts period stable. 

As part of the major transformation, expansive glass sliding windows were fitted to eliminate the threshold between the living space and the outside of the property. There was no step between the courtyard and the living space, therefore one of the key challenges of such an ambitious design was to ensure that no rainwater crept into the building. A drainage system was required to prevent excess water from flowing into the interior space.

Also, given the firm’s commitment to producing such an innovative but apparently effortless ambition, there was a need to ensure every detail – including drainage – maintained a highly aesthetic finish.

Solution

The architects turned to ACO Water Management for support and selected HexDrain® Brickslot for a sleek yet effective drainage system.

Having worked on similar projects, the team at Hall + Bednarczyk were familiar with the quality of ACO’s range of channel drainage products and the HexDrain® Brickslot channel, they made sure the same materials were used for the Silver How house.

Outcome

Silver How has already been commended by industry professionals, winning the Welsh Architecture Award 2019, as well as the RSAW Project Architect of the Year Award. The project has also provided Hall + Bednarczyk with its first ever listing by RIBA in its prestigious House of the Year award.

Testimonial

 “We have worked with ACO products in the past and have found them to be sophisticated, high in quality and reliable."

“A good drainage system is so important for any housing project, and although it carries out its job behind the scenes, if the wrong system is used then the project is at risk of flooding. The HexDrain® Brickslot is not only a high quality system, but it offers a level of discretion that aided our design."

“Many drainage systems have wide, obtrusive designs that are created purely for functionality, and these are perfect for large-scale projects. However, for this project, the HexDrain® Brickslot was sleek, while still fulfilling the requirements you come to expect from any drainage system.”

– Hall + Bednarczyk Architects