Project Overview

This project reimagines a former stable building site as a distinctive contemporary family home that combines bold architectural design with exceptional environmental performance.

Designed for a private client seeking a truly unique and visually striking home, the proposal transforms a constrained Green Belt backland site into a sustainable four-bedroom residence that embraces modern living while responding sensitively to its countryside setting.

At approximately 360sqm, the project demonstrates how intelligent design can unlock opportunities on challenging sites while creating architecture that is both dramatic and environmentally responsible.

Challenge

The site occupies a unique position at the rear of existing residential properties, backing directly onto open countryside. While not located within a conservation area or flood zone, the project faced significant planning constraints due to its Green Belt location and its position as a backland development.

The planning strategy was shaped by an earlier appeal decision that sought to convert the existing stable building into a dwelling. This established a framework that required careful consideration of the building’s size, height and position within the site.

Height restrictions were particularly influential, making a bungalow form the most appropriate planning solution while still delivering the substantial accommodation required by the client.

Architectural Response

JLP Architects developed a contemporary single-storey home that maximises volume, natural light and visual impact without exceeding planning constraints.

The design centres around a series of dramatic internal spaces featuring clerestory glazing that introduces daylight deep into the building while creating a heightened sense of scale within the principal living areas. The drawing room and main bedroom suite benefit from these elevated roof forms, creating spaces that feel significantly larger than a traditional bungalow.

A cantilevered rear roof structure forms a distinctive L-shaped wraparound porch, providing sheltered outdoor living space while contributing to the building’s strong contemporary character.

The home provides four luxurious bedroom suites together with generous open-plan living accommodation designed around modern family life and entertaining.

Sustainability Strategy

Sustainability has been integrated into the design from the outset rather than treated as an afterthought.

The proposal incorporates a green roof, a substantial 28-panel solar array, battery energy storage, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) and an air source heat pump.

Passive environmental design principles have also been embedded throughout the architecture. Deep roof overhangs provide solar shading and reduce overheating risk, while ponds and water features contribute to passive evaporative cooling during warmer periods.

Although not formally designed to Passivhaus standards, the project adopts many of the principles of passive design, reducing energy demand while maintaining excellent comfort levels.

The anticipated energy performance significantly exceeds that of a typical new-build dwelling, with an estimated efficiency rating approaching 99%.

Planning Strategy

The planning approach focused on demonstrating that a contemporary replacement building could be successfully accommodated within the parameters established by previous planning decisions affecting the site.

Careful attention was given to building height, site positioning and visual impact, allowing the proposal to balance ambitious architectural aspirations with planning policy requirements.

The application is currently progressing through the planning process.

Outcome

The result is a highly individual contemporary home that successfully combines striking architecture, advanced sustainability measures and a sensitive planning response.

Rather than treating environmental performance and architectural ambition as competing objectives, the design demonstrates how both can work together to create a genuinely exceptional home.

With an anticipated construction value of approximately £900,000, the project delivers a bespoke contemporary residence that is both environmentally responsible and visually memorable.

Project Highlights

  • 360sqm contemporary eco home
  • Green Belt location
  • Backland development site
  • Four luxury bedroom suites
  • Green roof design
  • 28-panel solar array
  • Battery energy storage
  • Air source heat pump
  • MVHR system
  • Passive cooling strategy
  • Clerestory glazing
  • Cantilevered wraparound porch
  • Countryside setting
  • Planning application in progress
  • Approximate construction value £900,000

Looking to create an exceptional contemporary home on a challenging site? JLP Architects specialises in balancing ambitious design, planning strategy and environmental performance to unlock opportunities others may overlook.