Stonebrook

Before any design work could move forward, there was a planning case to make. Because the house was being built as an additional dwelling on an existing agricultural holding, approval relied on demonstrating a genuine need for a second property. The scale of the farm, the role of the family members working there and the long-term viability of the business all formed part of that conversation.

The clients were also clear about how they wanted to live. While they were open to contemporary architecture and modern materials, the layout needed to work for life on a working farm. Muddy boots, storage and day-to-day practicality all played a role in shaping the design.

There was also an opportunity to do something different. Rather than replicating a traditional farmhouse, the clients wanted a modern interpretation that felt rooted in its setting without copying what had come before.

The design takes familiar agricultural materials and uses them in a contemporary way. Stone, render and standing seam zinc reference the existing farmhouse and surrounding farm buildings, helping the house sit comfortably within the wider holding while creating a distinctly modern appearance.

Internally, practicality drove many of the design decisions. The layout was developed around the routines of farm life, creating spaces that work hard every day while still feeling generous and welcoming.