THE owners of the multi-award winning Outhouse in Brockweir have found themselves subject to national media interest lately – yet they don’t know why.

For Michael and Jean Dunwell all they have done is fulfil a life-long dream to build a low-energy, single-storey, live-work home; but for those who value architecture at its finest it’s more than that.

With the help of Loyn and Co architects, in Penarth, and long-time friend and Forest builder Chris Milliner, the Outhouse captures the couple’s artistic flair and is packed with high-tech specifications.

In return the Outhouse has won several awards, including the People’s Choice vote, and narrowly missed out on winning the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize accolade.

Michael said: “(Although we didn’t win) we were delighted to be shortlisted for the award, for the architects more than anything as their work was recognised on a national level.”

Perched on a sloping plot adjacent to Offa’s Dyke overlooking the River Severn and Wye Valley, all aspects of the Outhouse have been meticulously planned from under-floor heating to a ‘green roof’ and electric car charging point in the garage.

Michael explained: “We knew in order to build a low-energy house with a modern design we would have to build something from scratch. We previously lived at a farmhouse in Staunton and spent three years finding a new site and a further three years building it. The quality of the build is absolutely tiptop – we are really fortunate that Chris oversaw the build as he has high standards.

“The best thing about it is that everything is on one level and my art space and studio is easily accessible. The house itself is a very beautiful building and to live here is a wonderful thing.”

Former director of Forest Eco Systems, Chris Milliner added: “I would say the most unusual and beautiful feature would be the internal courtyards that keep alive the original build outlines.

“Michael and Jean have been friends with my wife and I for 15 years and have passed building projects my way, including his son’s home in Frome, so he was aware of my work. I was over the moon when Michael asked me to build and project manage his new home.

“The biggest challenge was getting a 42m crane in yet the best thing was working with the client.

“It was amazing to attend the awards ceremony in London with Michael and Jean, as well as Chris Loyn and James Stroud from Loyn and Co Architects.

“I didn’t expect to be invited as the awards recognise the work of architects rather than builders so it was nice to be included. Although we didn’t win the main prize it meant more to have the People’s (Choice) vote.

“One of the other directors and I set up Forest Eco in 2009 and had an idea to introduce the plumbing and electrical side to the business. I later decided to leave to pursue my own business.”

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.