Light On The Land

Set within an established orchard in one of the UK’s national parks, this project explores how a new home can be introduced into a sensitive landscape with the lightest possible touch.

The proposal is a modest, single-storey timber-framed dwelling, carefully positioned between the existing trees. Rather than conventional concrete foundations, the building rests on ground screw piles. This keeps disturbance to the soil and root systems to a minimum, allows the orchard to continue to thrive around the house, and means the structure could, in time, be removed with little trace.

The design is deliberately simple, with a restrained form and natural materials that sit comfortably within the landscape rather than competing with it. Inside, the plan makes the most of light and views out into the trees, so the changing seasons of the orchard become part of everyday life in the home.

Together, the approach shows how sustainable, low-carbon housing can be delivered in protected landscapes, respecting the character of the place while providing a home well suited to modern living.