When artist Zoe Papadopoulou set out to build her new home in Wivenhoe, Essex, her brief to architect Emil Neumann of Paul Archer Design was clear: it must have height, and it must have light.
Nestled in a conservation area near the River Colne, the home is clad in black timber, referencing the boat sheds once common to the village. Inside, it is contemporary, spacious, and filled with daylight – a vital requirement for Zoe’s work as an artist.
Light as Design
This was Zoe’s second collaboration with Paul Archer Design. As in her London home, VELFAC windows were central to the scheme. Emil explains: “We’ve used VELFAC for many years. Their clean, unfussy design suits our architectural style and comes at a realistic price point.”
The slim-framed units let in 25% more light than standard windows, while large Patio doors and VELUX rooflights further enhance the sense of brightness and space. Carefully placed glazing balances openness with privacy, while a striking round VELFAC window in the bedroom frames the sky like a “moving light installation.”
Sustainable Solutions
Zoe’s plot came with a 20-year-old concrete slab and drainage system. Adapting the design to reuse them not only reduced costs but also met Zoe’s strong commitment to sustainability.
Guided by Passivhaus principles, the timber-framed home is highly insulated, with an air source heat pump and heat recovery ventilation ensuring comfort year-round. VELFAC 200 triple-glazed windows and doorsprovide airtightness and thermal performance, addressing Zoe’s concerns about cold, damp air from the river.
A Calming, Connected Home
Since moving in, Zoe says she feels healthier and more connected to the outdoors: “The combination of space, light and perfect temperature year-round makes it a very calming place to be.”
Her home, St John’s House, has been shortlisted for multiple awards and featured in The Times Homes & Property – but for Zoe, the reward is the everyday joy of living in a home designed entirely around her needs.