Cloudhaus
Cloudhaus is the personal masterpiece of Arkhi director Matthew Lewis, designed as a contemporary reimagining of the local vernacular.
Determined to create a home that embraced both sustainability and bold design, Matthew and the team crafted a striking, energy-efficient family home.
Cloudhaus belongs to our very own director, Matthew Lewis. Acquiring the picturesque site back in 2012, the plot came complete with static caravan and planning permission for a residential dwelling. Although Matthew and his family had fallen for the amazing countryside views the site had to offer, the inherited blueprints were less appealing.
As an Architect interested in contemporary and sustainable design, Matthew embarked on a process of designing his own impression of the perfect family home whilst re-interpreting the local vernacular. Although Staffordshire Moorlands District Council fully supported the application, due to the unique design and technological methods proposed (something which the local council had never dealt with before) the application went to committee for approval; the decision to grant planning permission was won by a small majority.
The construction of Cloudhaus was filmed by the popular television series Building the Dream, presented by Charlie Luxton. The show can be seen on Series 4, Episode 2. Stage 7 - In Use
What our clients have to say...
At Arkhi Architects, we never back down from a challenge, designing our own home, Cloudhaus, was our most audacious adventure yet. My wife Hayley and I, with our two kids in tow, set out to create more than just a house; we wanted a space bursting with innovation, sustainability, and genuine family passion.
We dove headfirst into the project and experienced every twist and turn our clients face. By balancing breakthrough design with the real demands of everyday life, we crafted a home that mirrors our unapologetic aesthetic and steadfast commitment to the planet.
This journey wasn’t just about building our dream home, it sharpened our expertise, deepened our understanding, and now, it fires us up to bring your unique vision to life with the same fearless spirit.
Eco Credentials
At Cloudhaus, sustainability is built into every detail.
From the living sedum roof to high-performance triple glazing and an efficient air source heat pump, every element has been designed to reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.
Sedum Roof
The sedum roof plays a key role in the sustainability of Cloudhaus, acting as a natural insulator while enhancing biodiversity. It helps to regulate the internal temperature, keeping the house warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
It also absorbs rainwater, slowing runoff and easing pressure on drainage systems. More than that, it allows the house to blend into its surroundings and provides a habitat for wildlife, making it a functional and ecological addition to the design.
Triple Glazing
With views like these, glazing was always going to be a major feature of Cloudhaus. Triple glazing ensures that large expanses of glass don’t compromise the home’s energy efficiency. The high-performance windows reduce heat loss, improve insulation, and eliminate cold spots, keeping the internal temperature stable year-round.
They also help with sound insulation, creating a peaceful living space while allowing uninterrupted views of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Heat Source Pump & MVHR
To maintain a comfortable and efficient living environment, Cloudhaus is heated by an air source heat pump, working alongside a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system. The heat pump extracts warmth from the air, even in colder months, providing heating and hot water with minimal energy use.
The MVHR system keeps fresh air circulating throughout the house, recovering heat that would otherwise be lost. Together, these systems drastically reduce energy demand, lower running costs, and create a healthier indoor environment.