The art of belonging: Church Lane, Elsworth

Occupying a prominent hillside site overlooking a Grade I Listed church, this sustainable, contemporary design enhances the conservation area while delivering net-zero carbon living for retired former farmers.

The Challenge

Structurally unsound, energy inefficient and inaccessible for retirement needs, the original 1970s dwelling on Church Lane was beyond renovation. Our clients required a replacement home that could accommodate visiting family while providing an intimate and comfortable daily living environment.

Building next to a Grade I listed church within a conservation area demanded exceptional design sensitivity. Narrow village access roads prevented standard construction methods, while the clients' vision for zero-maintenance, sustainable living required innovative material choices and systems. Every decision needed to balance respect for heritage with contemporary performance.

The Design

PiP designed a contemporary barn-inspired dwelling that felt naturally agricultural. The house aligns with a diagonal avenue of mature trees, creating a striking 15-mile vista that carries the eye from entrance hall through to the Cambridgeshire countryside beyond. Each window is carefully positioned to welcome light and views while preserving the sanctuary of home. Towards the church, smaller openings frame the view without creating light pollution, while the southeast-facing rear opens generously to the garden through panoramic glazing.

To overcome difficult access, PiP specified an innovative stick-built construction using FSC-certified timber which meant everything was assembled on site. Maintenance-free materials were chosen such as powder-coated steel and the Corten steel cantilevered brise soleil that shield the heat of the midday sun, while timber cladding will weather beautifully over time. Flint blocks reference the church's historic construction while warm timber connects to local agricultural traditions.

Understanding that the couple needed flexible living, PiP created thoughtful zoning that allows portions of the house to be shut down seasonally. Integration of a Baulogic smart home system provides intuitive controls for security, comfort and renewable technologies, making the building's advanced systems accessible for everyday use, while dramatically reducing energy costs through intelligent management.

The Result

The completed home produces more energy than it uses, achieving an exceptional EPC rating of 102. The generous 4.2-acre site was ideal for installing a ground source heat pump, while solar panels generate electricity which is stored in batteries, and rainwater is recycled for garden irrigation and toilet supply.

The roof terrace features an intensive green roof system with wildflower meadow, providing natural insulation while creating valuable habitat for wildlife. The smart home system makes managing all the environmental technology effortless, automatically optimising energy use while different areas can be efficiently heated or cooled whether the couple are alone or enjoying the company of family and friends.

Church Lane, Elsworth proves that contemporary architecture can enhance rather than compromise historic rural settings, delivering a zero-maintenance, technologically advanced family home that connects its occupants to landscape and community for generations to come.