The Essex village of Newport is expanding, partly due to its main line station access, schools and local amenities. studio24 were appointed following previously unsuccessful attempts at appeal to develop in the grounds of Bury Grove - an existing large house on the edge of the settlement. Our approach proposed two detached family homes (5 bed + 4 bed) that settle into the landscape and work within the character of the site, while offering a high level of future flexibility.

A cluster of small steeply pitched roof forms containing bedroom spaces, studio and garaging have been placed around a larger pitched volume containing the main living area and an inhabited mezzanine roof space. In each house the main living spaces relate to site levels, working with a natural shallow slope. The steeply pitched roofs, that reference a traditional vernacular of the area contrast with interpretations of traditional mono-pitched dormers found locally that form large slot roof lights to engage internal floors, introduce direct light that animate interior spaces between rooms.

The large open plan living spaces within each dwelling, with bedroom spaces astride on the same level, create a long term inherent flexibility. At entry level too, future use flexibility has also been considered, with a bedroom, separate bathroom and studio offering the ability for the house to accommodate future live/work arrangements or annexed accommodation to give an elderly parent or young adult a degree of independence.

The built form of the new houses carefully juxtapose a contemporary vernacular of rendered, brick and tile hung walls and roofs. These are complemented by subservient forms whose facades use reference materials, such as double boarded timber cladding and black opaque and translucent corrugated sheet. The vernacular aesthetic is further reinforced by bold red brick chimneys, that serve a corner fire place within the double height open plan living space.