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The Roost

Arkhi transformed a North Staffordshire stable into a pioneering eco-residence blending modern design with nature. Incorporating eco-friendly elements and wildlife support, the project navigated strict regulations to feature large windows, a living roof, and rainwater ponds, epitomising sustainable living in the Moorlands.

Arkhi Architects were commissioned to transform a disused stables building into a bold, architecturally ambitious private residence. Nestled in the North Staffordshire greenbelt, the site offers spectacular countryside views, shaping a design that both respects its agricultural past and embraces modern, sustainable living.

The concept centred on repurposing the existing structure, retaining its form while introducing carefully considered interventions to create a seamless, light-filled home. A sensitive extension enhances space and functionality while maintaining the building’s agricultural aesthetic. Simple forms and angular rooflines echo the original structure, ensuring minimal visual impact from surrounding viewpoints.

Sustainability is key, with a high-performance envelope, an EPC rating of 96A, and cutting-edge energy solutions. A photovoltaic array, battery storage, and an air source heat pump power the home, while a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery system ensures efficiency. The site’s biodiversity is enriched through wildlife-friendly landscaping, new ponds, and habitat-friendly roof designs, fostering a thriving ecosystem.

At its core, this project is a harmonious fusion of heritage, innovation, and sustainability—transforming a redundant structure into a future-focused, low-impact home.

We began working with Arkhi in 2016, when we acquired some near-derelict 1960’s stables, and hoped to get planning permission to convert them to an environmentally sensitive house – in terms of energy efficiency, enhancing wildlife habitat and visually in our beautiful greenbelt location. Arkhi took time to work with us and understand how we wanted to live in our new home (a marked difference from our previous 17 th century house) and to ensure the design would meet our immediate as well as future needs as a home for us, and also for wildlife, whilst also meeting the realities of planning constraints for a green-belt conversion. The design phase was very collaborative, with Arkhi encouraging a lot of contribution from us, and adapting their initial ideas to incorporate our preferences (as well as planner’s foibles). The resulting design is everything we could have hoped for and more - constructed on time, and on budget, despite the pandemic, Suez canal blockage and Brexit! We now have a light, warm, super energy-efficient house, which has also increased wildlife habitat and looks beautiful. Everything a new home should be.

What our clients have to say...

We began working with Arkhi in 2016, when we acquired some near-derelict 1960’s stables, and hoped to get planning permission to convert them to an environmentally sensitive house – in terms of energy efficiency, enhancing wildlife habitat and visually in our beautiful greenbelt location.

Arkhi took time to work with us and understand how we wanted to live in our new home (a marked difference from our previous 17 th century house) and to ensure the design would meet our immediate as well as future needs as a home for us, and also for wildlife, whilst also meeting the realities of planning constraints for a green-belt conversion. The design phase was very collaborative, with Arkhi encouraging a lot of contribution from us, and adapting their initial ideas to incorporate our preferences (as well as planner’s foibles).

The resulting design is everything we could have hoped for and more - constructed on time, and on budget, despite the pandemic, Suez canal blockage and Brexit! We now have a light, warm, super energy-efficient house, which has also increased wildlife habitat and looks beautiful. Everything a new home should be.

Eco Credentials

At The Roost, sustainability is at the heart of the design.

From high-performance insulation to energy-efficient heating systems, every element has been carefully considered to reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and efficiency. This home not only respects its rural surroundings but also sets a new standard for sustainable living.

Arkhi Brochure for clients - 12 MILL STREET STAGE 4_edited.png

Rainwater to amphibian ponds

A rainwater harvesting system feeds directly into an amphibian pond, providing essential water management while creating a rich habitat for local wildlife such as frogs and newts.

This system not only reduces surface water runoff but also contributes to biodiversity, blending sustainable water use with ecological enhancement.

Powerwall battery system and photovoltaic panels

The installation of a Powerwall battery system alongside photovoltaic (PV) panels enables efficient energy storage, ensuring that renewable energy generated on-site is maximised.

This combination provides resilience by reducing dependency on the grid and supporting a low-carbon lifestyle, allowing the building to operate sustainably while cutting energy costs.

6A EPC Rating

Achieving an impressive 96A EPC rating, this project excels in energy efficiency, delivering superior thermal performance and reducing overall energy consumption.

The high rating reflects the building’s commitment to sustainability, significantly lowering operational carbon and energy costs for its occupants.

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