New Build
A Leaf Upon the Rolling Landscape: Sustainable Family Living
Perched on a spectacular hillside at the headland between two ridge and furrow fields, this new Paragraph 84 home is designed to embrace panoramic views in every direction. Its unique leaf-shaped zinc roof defines the open-plan living spaces beneath, while resting lightly on a discreet bedroom wind to preserve the site’s sense of openness. The home’s placement between the fields enhances the character of this distinctive landscape within thew Cotswold Natural Landscape (formerly AONB). On 3rd March 2015, Tewksbury Borough Council approved our scheme for this striking Paragraph 84 dwelling.
Unique leaf shaped zinc roof
Whilst creating a natural habit for wildlife, a living roof also has many other benefits. It not only complements the zinc leaf-shaped design but also provides vital habitat for insects, invertebrates, and native plants. Acting like a sponge, it helps retain rainfall and supports local biodiversity.
Whilst creating a natural habit for wildlife, a living roof also has many other benefits. It not only complements the zinc leaf-shaped design but also provides vital habitat for insects, invertebrates, and native plants. Acting like a sponge, it helps retain rainfall and supports local biodiversity.
By sitting between each field the house enjoys magnificent views of both and significantly enhances this unique landscape setting
Material palette
Sweet Chestnut cladding
Finished in English Sweet Chestnut and Farmington stone, the property’s materials are carefully chosen to complement the surrounding landscape. The warm timber and natural stone blend seamlessly with the environment, while triple-glazed Internorm windows enhance energy efficiency and allow the building to sit lightly on the land, creating a harmonious, sustainable home that respects its rural setting.
Local Natural Materials
Dry stone walling, a hallmark of Cotswold craftsmanship, has been used throughout the region for centuries. For this project, locally sourced stone and traditional construction techniques were chosen to ensure the walls are both authentic and perfectly suited to the landscape, reinforcing a sense of place while respecting local heritage.
Floor plan
Conceal & Reveal
Headlands’ leaf-shaped zinc roof directs the spatial organisation of the open-plan living spaces beneath while resting atop a discreet bedroom wing. The design creates a strong sense of arrival via a circular courtyard, flanked by the stone walls of the bedroom wing and carport. Spaces are carefully planned to maximise views: the master bedroom and living areas enjoy mid- to long-distance vistas across the orchard toward a landmark veteran oak, enhanced by wildflower planting, while lower-set guest bedrooms look down the furrows, framed by rows of replanted orchard trees.
Headlands’ leaf-shaped zinc roof directs the spatial organisation of the open-plan living spaces beneath while resting atop a discreet bedroom wing. The design creates a strong sense of arrival via a circular courtyard, flanked by the stone walls of the bedroom wing and carport. Spaces are carefully planned to maximise views: the master bedroom and living areas enjoy mid- to long-distance vistas across the orchard toward a landmark veteran oak, enhanced by wildflower planting, while lower-set guest bedrooms look down the furrows, framed by rows of replanted orchard trees.
Technology
House Performance
The home features an advanced Earth Energy Bank inter-seasonal heat storage system, delivering highly efficient, sustainable heating year-round.
This innovative technology captures solar energy in summer via PV-T (Photovoltaic Thermal) panels and stores it in the clay soil beneath the house. In winter, the stored heat is extracted to provide warmth, dramatically reducing reliance on external energy sources.
Performance monitoring shows the clay substrate temperature can be raised by up to 16°C in summer. This results in an exceptionally high Coefficient of Performance (COP) for the water-to-water heat pump, keeping “from the meter” energy consumption extremely low.
