THE HAVEN

Location: Rutland
Client:  Private
Floor Area:  335m2 / 3,600 ft2
Our Role:  Feasibility and Planning

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Stoney Studio were appointed to design a proposal for a contemporary and environmentally sustainable dwelling to be built on the site at ‘The Haven’ in Bisbrooke, Rutland. Full planning approval was granted in January 2023.

The site is currently occupied by a 1960s bungalow on a 3 acre plot of land. The proposal seeks to integrate a new larger dwelling, befitting of the site’s scale; whilst remaining sensitive to the style and proportions of the area’s architectural vernacular. The proposal includes significantly enhanced biodiversity on and around the immediate site.

Brief

Our client wanted to create a new live-work home that meets their family’s future needs, as well as environmental aspirations. The brief was to produce a purpose-built and sustainable dwelling that responds sensitively and positively to the site’s biodiversity. As well as a design that speaks of the wider vernacular, whilst also creating a unique and timeless piece of architecture.

The brief included provision for; 4 bedrooms, office, open plan kitchen / dining / snug, living room, utility and garage / workshop, and will include mechanical and electrical services that enhance the sustainability agenda for the house.

FORM

Throughout the design process, the scheme has taken its cues from various examples in and around Bisbrooke. This not only enables the proposed mass, form and detailing to feel of its place, but helps influence the use of local materials and craftsmanship.

The barns in the local area have a common thread among them which include: large, long single storey forms; elevations with very few window openings and are either constructed in brick or stone walls with clay pan tile, slate or corrugated tin roofs. Two storey forms for haylofts often exhibit openings on their gable ends.

MATERIALITY

Extensive vernacular and local material studies were carried out in order to establish a design that respects and enhances the character of the Bisbrooke and its wider landscape. The use of local materials such as Clipsham Stone, will contribute to a building envelope that is low in embodied carbon.

Sustainability

The sustainable agenda for the clients has been at the forefront of our ambitions from the very beginning of the project and will continue to be integral to every stage of the design process. With the following aspirations, the proposed scheme will act as an exemplar development for low energy design:

• Have a highly energy-efficient envelope (thermal mass)

• Optimise use of resources and embodied energy

• Minimise water use and waste

• Be healthy and non-polluting

• Use local materials and labour as much as possible

• Achieve air-tight construction

• Optimise orientation for positive solar gain and natural light

• Long lasting and adaptable

Planning

The client came to Stoney Studio after their previous Architect had failed to obtain planning permission. Due the site being technically designated as 'open countryside', the planning process called for extra diligence and Stoney Studio worked closely with the Planners at Rutland County Council in putting together a thorough and compelling design that both they and the client were all happy with. The aim was to build an ambitious piece of modern architecture in a very traditional and rural context. Whilst an effort has been made in referencing certain qualities of the local vernacular and traditional building materials, the scheme attempts to represent an architecture of its time, rather than that which has preceded it. Stoney Studio were appointed in May 2022 and planning permission was granted in January 2023.