Due to the site’s rural location, that being on the fringe of Hartley Wintney, the aspirations were to arrange the built form around a central courtyard, taking inspiration from the many farmyard buildings within the local context and enjoying similar settings.

Given the extensive size of the previously approved planning application, the desire was to reduce its primary floor area, which would in turn naturally reduce its visual impact. The design was further reduced in size through the choice of roof material, that being thatch. Thatched properties are seen throughout the local context, therefore a material engrained within the culture of rural Hampshire. Although usually a highly traditional craft and aesthetic, through sharp lines it can be installed in a contemporary style.

Timber framed buildings are also found extensively throughout this area of Hampshire, often clad in black painted timber cladding, upon a brick plinth. Typically the timber frame itself is exposed, largely being painted black with either brick infill panels or white painted wattle and daub. These are extremely traditional methods of construction but struggle to comply with current Building Regulations in terms of thermal, fire and structural requirements. The design team has thus taken heed from the local context, drawing elements of traditional design aesthetics and incorporating them in a contemporary fashion.