A contemporary self-build house in Herefordshire.
This unique site was formerly agricultural land housing a rural worker's dwelling, with an agricultural tie to the adjoining fruit farm. Located on the edge of the Village settlement, the plot is surrounded by open landscape and spectacular views of the Forest of Dean towards the Wye Valley and Herefordshire landscape.
Following the successful removal of the ag-tie, the site's potential was unlocked to replace the tired existing bungalow with a modern and sustainable long-term family home.
The brief and aspiration was for a simple, modern mid-century-inspired home. The house must be simple yet cleverly considered, minimal yet maximised for day-to-day family life, and modest yet distinct with high design quality.
The new house is sited to the North of the plot and has access from a quiet country lane. A courtyard driveway is created with calm native planting and walled garden access. Upon entry into the house, there are frame views of the landscape beyond.
Boot room and utility spaces provide practical areas with generous storage off the entrance to the North. The main 'broken-plan' living spaces are then located across the South of the house, with picture window glazing and minimal sliding glass doors offering a seamless connection to the garden and landscape. Uplifting light-filled spaces are created throughout, with more intimate snug nooks hidden within.
The house takes inspiration from local cottages and farmhouses and offers a modern take on a simple aesthetic of a brick and pitched tiled roof. Building materials are sourced locally, and a sustainable and ecological approach is instilled with high-performing timber frame construction, ground source heat pump and PV energy generation, and native planting to enhance the natural setting.
Project Details
Location : Hereforshire
Status : Planning Pending
Construction Cost : Confidential
