Paragraph 84 (Para 84)

Stanwold

We’re working on a Paragraph 84 house separated from a settlement in Hampshire by a woodland block but unanimously qualified as an isolated location.

Design in harmony with the woodland edge

Tucked away beyond a wooded boundary in rural Hampshire, this Paragraph 84 home is a key example of contemporary, sustainable, living. Surrounded by mature trees that offer natural privacy, the site’s steeply sloping topography has shaped the design of the home itself. The building gently steps down with the landscape, creating a low-impact profile that works with the land rather than against it. This carefully considered approach blends sustainable architecture with a deep respect for the surrounding environment.

Nestled within the trees

Nestled between trees on a steeply sloping field, the site offers a sense of seclusion while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Views into the site are limited, with mature planting and trees along Egbury Road providing natural screening, preserving privacy and a sense of enclosure. The most significant view is to the south-east, where the landscape opens up across rolling fields toward a distant treeline and the historic Roman road—framed elegantly by boundary vegetation. Elsewhere, outward views are softened and filtered by dense planting, reinforcing the site’s immersive woodland edge character.

The Concept

The design concept is inspired by the distinctive landscape of the Hampshire Downs, where the home is set. A sweeping white band reflects the softness and gentle undulations of the surrounding chalk hills, while the recessed, dark timber façades, with their corduroy vertical detailing, draw inspiration from the woodland that characterises the Hampshire Downs, echoing the rhythm and verticality of the trees.

The crisp white band references the area’s chalk landscape, complemented by knapped flint detailing that grounds the architecture firmly within its local context and celebrates the region’s traditional materials. Responding sensitively to the site’s topography, the home steps down the steep slope, allowing the building to sit naturally within the landscape while maximising its connection to the south-eastern key view.

Atmosphere and environment

Inside, the home unfolds with the natural slope of the land, creating a stepped plan that reveals a series of open, light-filled spaces. At the heart of the layout are generous living areas with high ceilings and expansive glazing that invites daylight deep into the home. Surrounded by woodland, the interior feels calm and secluded, with a strong sense of connection to nature. While most views are nestled within the trees, the design also opens up to the south-east, framing wide, elevated views across the landscape, bringing moments of openness.

The Floor Plan

Project Team

Axiom Planning PAD Landscape