To replicate the local Purbeck limestone, we used a long, roman format brick which had similar visual and material characteristics as limestone but with a more refined aesthetic when used en-masse. Over the top of the walls and glass, we designed a unifying, low-pitched zinc roof. 

Zinc is a robust material that ages gracefully, provides a delicate rhythmic pattern to the roof and a hue that complements the colours of the bricks and blends with the surrounding greenery. 

The scheme required a very shallow high level clerestory glazing band to run under the roof to provide light from the north, visually articulate the horizontal roof plane but also provide a high level of privacy for the occupants. The design for the building is based on a passive solar principle. In the heat of the midday summer sun the building doesn’t overheat due to a generous cantilever on the roof, with the brow of the roof being overhung to provide shade. Counter to this during the winter months, the sun is permitted to penetrate deep into the plan to give warmth. 

The project has been featured in Grand Designs magazine and won ‘Individual House Winner’ at the AT Schüco Excellence Awards in 2021.