Located in a small town near to Northampton, this stone new build house replaced a small dilapidated bungalow on a generous edge of village plot.
The intention was to create a spacious, contemporary and sustainable family home, positively contributing to the character of the local area with stone architecture providing a classic local twist to a modern new build. The design strategy was of two solid forms with apex slate roof and a two-floor glazed link.
Working closely with a specialist planning consultant on the stone house architecture project, we adopted a clever strategy and approach, enabling us to achieve their brief and the significant increase in footprint and volume required. After engaging the LPA through pre-application discussions, the scheme was approved at committee with unanimous support from all 13 members.
It is not only the purity and positioning of the forms that was essential to the success of this stone new build, but also the simple, crisp detailing and application of a complementary material palette. The use of traditional local materials was carefully considered to help the proposal sit within both its built and natural context. The property was created using a variety of materials including brick, stone, slate and zinc detailing. The use of Northamptonshire Limestone on the first floor softens the overall rigidity of the house, evoking a subtle architectural quality.
Privacy is provided at the front of the building while more extensive glazing is used to the rear. The double-height entrance and dining space create a sense of space and light, yet the cosy corners and study areas allow for the spaces to be used with flexibility.