This new house sits within an orchard in the heart of a rural Northamptonshire conservation area.

The proposals indicate an L-shaped plan, with the two principle elevations looking back into the site. The orientation means that the inner elevations are obscured from the neighbouring properties, maximising privacy and allowing the use of extensive glazing into the living spaces.

The two inner facing elevations are finished in contrasting planes of textured and smooth render, whereas the outer elevations are built in the local limestone. The textured render, synonymous with traditional ‘thrown’ lime render, wraps around the gable ends of the building and is broken by projecting planes of smoother render closer to the central entrance. This change is texture responds to the finer architectural detailing to the inner elevations.

The house has been designed in direct response to its context with a view to enhancing the conservation area through high quality modern design, and providing a highly energy efficient living environment.