Project Information:

Fowlmere is a rural settlement where farming is a strong prevailing character of the area. Historically, the land at the Willows was agricultural land, inspiring the concept of a farmstead. The proposal was for 5 new dwellings which reflected the local character.

The means of access to the houses is a generous sweeping driveway which creates a visual and physical relationship between the buildings despite their variation in style. Each building draws design inspiration from a farmstead and its associated buildings and curtilage. The two link detached houses were designed to reflect the farm-house style dwellings typically found in the area. The right-hand building fronting the site features low eaves, weatherboard cladding and irregular window arrangements which resemble the characteristics of a livestock isle-barn. The two rear dwellings represent large threshing barns. Historically, these buildings would feature modest window sizes and large timber doors in lieu of the glazing, which would be opened during the threshing period to allow cross ventilation. Brick quoin detailing adds a high-quality finish alluding back to their design concept.

The outcome is a collection of buildings which are sympathetic to their rural context whilst providing a modern way of living for its occupants.