Designing a Home Inspired by Nature and Place
Nestled within a rich rural landscape, our proposed Paragraph 84 home is thoughtfully shaped by the unique characteristics of its setting. From glimpses of the historic church tower to the morning light dancing across the pond, every detail of the site offers inspiration. The natural biodiversity of the surrounding culm grassland and the undulating topography are integral to our approach. This new dwelling is designed to sit gently within its environment, embracing its contours and capturing carefully framed views—both near and far—to create a home that truly belongs to its place.
Design Details
In contrast to the grounded, stone-built forms of the bedroom and ancillary wings, the main living space takes on a lighter, more delicate character. Clad in finely detailed slate, it gently hovers above pondside planting, creating a striking connection between architecture and nature. On summer mornings, the south-facing terrace becomes a serene sun-trap, offering a perfect spot to take in the landscape. Subtly angled supports beneath the terrace and living space echo the movement and vertical rhythm of the surrounding culm grasses, reinforcing the home’s connection to its setting. Steps carved into the terrain lead down to a lower jetty, bringing you to the water’s edge. To the west, a sunken terrace opens out to orchard views, with optional seasonal shading provided by sail canopies. South-west planting adds both privacy and protection from prevailing winds, helping to create a sheltered and peaceful courtyard space.
An Orchard Path to Home
Rounding the corner into the main site, the approach continues along a gently mown orchard path, guiding visitors through the landscape in a natural and immersive way. As the journey unfolds, the home gradually comes into view—sitting quietly below the horizon line to maintain a low visual profile. Closer to the building, glimpses through glazed links begin to reveal the interior, while green roofs appear to blend seamlessly with the skyline. The path culminates at a sunken terrace, offering a calm and sheltered entrance that harmonises with the surrounding environment.
Rounding the corner into the main site, the approach continues along a gently mown orchard path, guiding visitors through the landscape in a natural and immersive way. As the journey unfolds, the home gradually comes into view—sitting quietly below the horizon line to maintain a low visual profile. Closer to the building, glimpses through glazed links begin to reveal the interior, while green roofs appear to blend seamlessly with the skyline. The path culminates at a sunken terrace, offering a calm and sheltered entrance that harmonises with the surrounding environment.
Atmosphere
The two family bedrooms frame views of the orchard to the west. Both rooms also enjoy an east-facing window seat
which aligns with their respective doorways. Slightly sunken into the landscape to the west, these rooms feel calm and
grounded, with views through the orchard tree trunks. East facing windows frame views towards the pond and invite in the morning light. The L-shaped configuration also creates views to other building elements across the ‘in-between’ spaces. Above, one reads the gently sloping ceilings which follow the slope of the landscape.
Floor Plan
This new home embraces the tranquillity and views of the pond within the land
