This scheme for several houses in the north of Northumberland called for a sensitive approach in order to meet the client’s requirements whilst also being considerate of the open countryside context and the impact on the existing community. The approach was to design a masterplan which would encourage community interaction and create spaces to make the most of the beautiful rural setting.
The houses are based on local Northumberland vernacular styles and although traditional in feel, they are contemporary in function, and also in some of the architectural details. The buildings are based on different themes; ‘cottages’ to the core of the development to create a village, and ‘barns’ to the periphery to address the countryside setting. These approaches work together to create a coherent development, and are gathered around a new village green which provides a shared focus for the community.
