Andrew Lloyd Webber’s bespoke luxury eco-house
With a classic design in mind, Andrew Lloyd Webber commissioned a prefab kit house with an ecological edge. Here’s what happened…
When celebrated composer Andrew Lloyd Webber wanted a new family home, he turned to a German company making waves in the UK. The commission? An ecologically friendly home inspired by Le Corbusier but sympathetic to the rural Hampshire landscape. The result? A triumph…
Making Modernism sustainable
When Lord and Lady Lloyd Webber wanted to build a house on a plot of land they’d bought in Hampshire, they churned through designs from several architects without finding that spark of inspiration. Then, a conversation over dinner with a friend brought up Baufritz, manufacturers and constructors of prefabricated timber houses with a low carbon footprint.
They were seeking a design that was not only in keeping with the gorgeous Hampshire landscape, but that also took inspiration from one of the godfathers of modernist architecture, Le Corbusier. Oh, and more thing – it needed to be sustainable…
Making a home a healthy building
Timber-framed houses aren’t renowned for their ecological credentials, but that’s a challenge that Baufritz have nailed. They worked with the Lloyd Webbers to discern what they wanted and then tailored the design to match it. It includes a heat pump and under-floor heating, as well as an energy concept and tight sealing that hugely reduces energy consumption.
The Baufritz approach can also be easily tailored, not only in terms of design and cladding materials – the Lloyd Webbers went for local flint – but also in terms of allergy-compliance, use of organic materials, shielded wiring and wood treatment. In other words, they’ve thought of everything.
Why modular can be modern
One of the keys to the way Baufritz worked with Lord and Lady Lloyd Webber is flexibility. While other modular house companies are limited in what they can provide, they allow you to a great amount of leeway in terms of design and architecture. Having an ecologically sound house doesn’t come at the expense of aesthetics.
Only high-quality materials are used, without harmful chemicals, and if you don’t have a design in mind, they have plenty for you. Choose from townhouses, chalet-style homes, Bauhaus design and more. And, of course, if you have your bespoke idea in mind, they’ll be delighted to work with you and tailor it your desires.
Let’s leave the final word to Madeleine Lloyd Webber: “Sustainability is a big selling point these days, it has to be at the top of the list, and for Baufritz the more they can do there the better. The household bills have gone down enormously.”
Find out more about Baufritz and their work for the Lloyd Webbers here.