We were approached by our Client to design a new dwelling for his family on Green Belt land in Bedfordshire near Leighton Buzzard. We have approached this project by replacing existing outbuildings with a similar footprint building and a design that has the least impact on the environment.

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A Respectful Contemporary Replacement

The new dwelling replaces a collection of single-storey outbuildings that are empty and derelict. The proposed palette of materials comes from the historical use of black timber on agricultural buildings and specifically the use of it on the existing outbuildings. A raised patio space brings the outdoor into the living room and elevates it from the garden beyond. The building is respectful in scale and appearance to the surrounding dwellings and existing outbuildings.

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Compact Family Home

The plan for the building is consciously orientated south in order to minimise overlooking of the adjacent existing house. The house incorporates flexible open-plan living located off an entrance hallway space. A bedroom wing runs down the eastern boundary with windows and views out to the garden.

The elevations seek to minimise the impact on the green belt by using natural existing materials, vernacular traditional roof forms and low ridgelines that help keep the building down in height.