- Architecture & development
Miner Road was designed by Faulkner Architects for a couple of environmental scientists and their two sons. Environment and energy neutrality are the main pillars of this impressive design.
The original plan consisted of renovating a 1954 ranch, but after thorough evaluation, the existing housing structure proved unsuitable and the building was demolished. Only the fireplace and the floor plan of the house were retained. During the conservation, the fireplace was given an additional function: encased in concrete, it is now also part of the supporting structure. 
Miner Road is a house that doesn't just allow the effects of the climate, it welcomes them
The surroundings and the house merge by means of half-open spaces and large windows. A half-open gallery runs along the bedroom and study room on the second floor, which consists of perforated Corten steel. The building envelope consists of a Corten steel rain screen, a maintenance-free, ecological material. This material changes colour as it oxides, so Miner Road will change colour until it is completely shrouded in dark orange. 
To ensure energy neutrality, a large part of the budget went to insulation and efficient glazing. An 8.1 kiloWatt photovoltaic (PV) installation was installed and rainwater is used in the house. The grey water is also reused in an irrigation system of the surrounding area. It was extremely important for the client that the house has the lowest possible impact on the environment and Faulkner Architects did just that. 
Faulkner Architects has succeeded in interpreting an ecological house in the non-classical sense. Miner Road is a house that doesn't just allow the effects of the climate, but welcomes them. Sunlight, rain, growth and wear and tear are inextricably linked to the structure.
Photographer: Joe Fletcher