LABC Regional Award Honours Western Design Architects for Innovation and Sustainability.

A contemporary family home situated on the waterfront of Poole Harbour has secured a prestigious regional winner award from the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), a testament to its outstanding design, sustainable construction, and seamless integration within its unique harbour side setting.

The LABC noted that earning the regional title is a significant achievement, given the number of high-quality entries submitted this year. The winning residence was praised for harmonising modern architectural principles with the area's natural environment, offering breathtaking views while respecting the unique character of the waterfront.

Thermal and Acoustic Compliance at Core of Design

A key element recognised in the home’s success is its rigorous commitment to modern technical standards, particularly concerning energy efficiency and internal comfort. The project team, including Thermal & Acoustic Solutions Ltd, executed essential specialist assessments to ensure the dwelling’s performance exceeded compliance requirements.

The firm's technical services were instrumental in meeting stringent new building regulations:

• SAP Calculations: Conducted to confirm full compliance with Part L 2021 (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the building regulations, verifying the dwelling's high energy efficiency rating.

• Dynamic Thermal Modelling (DTM): Employed for Part O (Overheating) assessment. DTM provided a detailed simulation to ensure the home's design effectively mitigates the risk of excessive solar gain, maintaining comfortable internal temperatures without over-reliance on mechanical cooling.

• Air Testing: Performed to measure the structure's air tightness, a critical factor in both reducing heat loss (thermal performance) and minimising external noise penetration (acoustic performance).

• Water Calculations: Provided to ensure compliance with Part G (Sanitation, Hot Water Safety, and Water Efficiency).

Sustainable Features and Project Team

Beyond technical compliance, the residence is a model for sustainability, utilising durable materials selected for their low environmental impact and ability to blend with the sea, sand, and tree-lined surroundings. The home incorporates an advanced energy system featuring solar photovoltaic panels with battery storage, air-source heat pumps for heating, and dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging points, underscoring a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

The project’s success is a collaborative effort, with special recognition extended to the entire team:

• WDA Western Design Architects

• Matrod Frampton

• Godsell Arnold Partnership Ltd

• Power Naturally

• Thermal & Acoustic Solutions Ltd (Technical Compliance & Testing)

• Jonathan Gooding (Photography)

The award highlights how contemporary architecture can be achieved while demonstrating the highest standards of energy performance and environmental responsibility.