The replacement house is based around a courtyard arrangement, referencing a historic farmstead layout, the design makes provision for a new barn, a four bay garage and a contemporary two storey dwelling in place of the existing dilapidated steel barn. The home is finished with a natural swimming pond which frames the setting of this new family home, alongside the sedum roof and extensive landscaping to further enhance the rural character of the area and deliver biodiversity gains.

The low energy building will be well insulated and energy efficient, utilising a solar voltaic roof and an air source heat pump. Our design utilises passive solar design principles, the orientation and plan arrangement has been devised to utilise the energy from the sun for the heating and cooling of living spaces, minimising reliance on mechanical devices. 

Planning permission has been granted for the new scheme in mid 2024, with work due to start later in the year.

"When proposed buildings respect their specific context and make efforts to take reference from our past, such as historic farmstead layouts, albeit with a contemporary interpretation, then the efforts to achieve a well-integrated scheme are usually appreciated by the LPAs. The recessive glazing beneath the overhang to avoid excess reflection and use of a soft, natural covering to the flat roof, and the appreciation that a standard swimming would be both a lazy and alien feature within this rural environment have proved this. Well done DMW!" 

Jen Nixon – Nixon Heritage & Design