The Berm House
The Building is entirely ground floor and contains 7 of our 14 spacious ensuite bedrooms. It's unique design and construction yield huge energy savings whilst generating a minimal carbon footprint.
Constructed in 1988, the Berm House is an earth sheltered south facing, passive solar extension to the main house at Caer Llan. Since it's opening, the building has generated huge interest from television companies, journalists and the national press, attracting many visitors in its own right. It has been recognised as one of the two lowest energy houses in Europe winning a Euro-solar prize in 1995.
Design & Construction
Designed by it's owner, Peter Carpenter, the requirement was to produce a longlife,
maintenance free building which remained comfortable to live in all year round, whilst being free of all heating costs. The high density concrete, brick and stone construction is necessary to provide structural stability, whilst thermal stability is achieved by hyper insulation and burying the house deep into a bank. Hidden within the layers of the outer shell, a waterproof membrane cocoons the entire building keeping the water out. The earth covering meanwhile boasts an idylic roof garden with a large lawn area, alpine plants and breath-taking views across the valley to the South.
Inside the Building
A 35 metre solar corridor runs the whole length of the building 
and is integral to achieving a comfortable living temperature throughout the year. Matt black bricks (to absorb heat) and white bricks (to reflect heat) form the inner walls of the corridor. These bricks serve to create an aesthitically pleasant environment whilst also being a vital source of solar heat gain through the large south facing windows of the frontage. House plants on the window sills throughout the corridor also serve to create a homely feel. The solar corridor provides access to seven spacious bedrooms, with large front windows looking through the corridor and out to the gardens and distant hills. Fresh air is constantly circulated through the rooms by a forced ventilation system.
