Stoneycroft, a new-build family home in Derbyshire
Stoneycroft, Derbyshire
The Brief
Our clients bought a rare plot in a popular Derbyshire village with rolling countryside views. Their brief was to design a home for a family with grown children who all live busy lives and want a space they can enjoy together, while also providing a level of flexibility and space. The family also own a company that specialises in industrial buildings and wanted to put this expertise to use by building by using a steel framed building.
Our Solution
Working within the context of a rural village we designed a series of buildings that step down into the landscape, following the topography of the land. We designed a shallow plan building, which lends itself to steel framed construction. Aesthetically this design is reminiscent of traditional, brick built agricultural buildings found in this area.
Although the house is, in essence large, the design of ‘a collection of buildings’ conceals the scale within the streetscene and provides plenty of living space that frames the amazing views.
Architecture with a Sense of Place
Our Concept: A Collection of Rural Buildings
We always try to deliver quality architecture with a design that suits a building surroundings. Having made sure we reviewed the landscape, topology and neighbouring architecture we came up with this design of a collection of rural buildings. This design offers plenty of space for a large family but from the road it looks like a series of smaller homes. The main glass entrance forms a link between buildings at the same time as offering a glimpse of rural countryside views as arrive. The amount of glazing also floods the main circulation with light, without making it a greenhouse in summer.
Working in a Rural Area
Swain architecture are experienced at working within rural areas. We liaised with South Derbyshire District Council Planning Authority and ensured that our designs work within the picturesque village and streetscene of the property.
A Family Home
Space for Everyone
Houses in villages have a reputation as being small. Our challenge was to create a large amount of family accommodation that flows naturally, offering communal areas as well as personal spaces. As well as four bedrooms, a snug, mezzanine, gym, home office, boot room and utility, give this home defined spaces and clutter free circulation. All of these extra spaces ensure that a home works and functions well.
Connected to Nature
At the rear of the property, full width glazing frames the outside space. This introduces lots of light to the kitchen/living space as well as providing an amazing view of the large garden, and beautiful rolling Derbyshire countryside.
Built Form
Architectural Detail
The materials buildings are designed with are important to us at Swain Architecture. With our design for Stoneycroft we chose local red brick and timber (typically agricultural) for the façades of the building but utilised them in a contemporary way. Our aim is to design a building that looks like it belongs in its surroundings while being authentic to its time. We hope you agree that we’ve achieved both contemporary and sensitive architecture.
What did the clients think?
“Thank you so much again for designing our house. We love living here and we couldn’t have done it without your professional approach and understanding of our requirements. We are both very grateful.”
The owners of Stoneycroft, Derbyshire
Do you have a heritage property you’d like to turn into a family home?
Swain Architecture has extensive experience working with planning authorities to ensure sensitive development within rural areas. Whether you’re raring to knock down walls, or taking your first tentative steps towards a new space, we’d love to hear about your project. Bringing inspiration, robust design practice and plenty of experience with us, we transform spaces into something you can enjoy for years to come.
Class Q Barn Conversion, Langar, Nottinghamshire
The Cowshed, Langar, Nottinghamshire
The Brief
Our client wanted to realise the asset that it had in a disused agricultural barn in a popular Nottinghamshire village in The Vale of Belvoir.
Our Solutions
As a specialist in Class Q Barn Conversions, where owners are allowed to convert agricultural buildings to residential use, we were able to unlock the potential of this prime piece of property. Once converted this rural building has been transformed into a detached four bedroom home that fits in seamlessly with its rural surroundings.
The living spaces of this Langar contemporary barn make full use of the sweeping countryside views. The floor to ceiling windows offer expansive views of some of the region’s most beautiful countryside and really bring the outside in.
At first glance this contemporary barn design is a single storey building but this has simply led us to be efficient with the space we provide by making the loft space into bedroom accommodate. The unusual windows and roof pitch give the rooms character and frame different views to the lower ground floors.
Country living is contrasted internally with washrooms kitted out with urban luxury. Innovative Velux windows open out to be a first floor balcony, such a good use of attic space and a real improvement on conventional roof line windows that don’t utilise the great views as much as they could.
Detached House on Broadway in Derby
Broadway, Derby
The Brief
The client had three initial requests: bridges, balconies and mezzanines. Swain Architecture was approached to create a light, bright and modern house with contemporary features including glass floors, high ceilings and multi functional spaces. The challenge was to create a spacious home on a small city centre plot, in one of Derby’s most desirable residential addresses.
Delivering a New Home for a Growing Family
A Flexible Family Home
Broadway was designed with the ultimate adaptability in mind. A home that works as well for entertaining as it would for a growing family. With flexibility at the forefront of the design, multi-functional rooms and spaces were created, with an option for up to five bedrooms in the future.
The Benefits of a Bespoke Design
Open Plan Living
An extensive open plan kitchen and living area is situated on the first floor, creating a sense of space with double-height ceilings and large, south-facing windows. Among the many surprises this main living space has a feature glass floor looking down the snug and garden below.
Quality Materials
Materials, such as the slate roof, were selected to create a more traditional exterior. Materials were selected to be in keeping with the location: a leafy street with a number of Victorian redbrick houses.
Scout Hut, Sawley, Nottingham
Scout Hut, Sawley, Nottingham
The Brief
Located close to Swain HQ, Sawley Scout group wanted a new base to replace their existing hut to accommodate their many varied activities and will also open the building up to the wider community.
Our Solutions
Our objective was to creates a design that inspires and aids them in their mission to source funding for this ambitious project. The design uses natural materials to create a multi-functional space where younger ages can meet in safety and interact with their building and retained outdoor space. The form and orientation of the building reflect the desire to create a highly sustainable building in line with the scouting ethos and values. The design features an interior climbing wall, a glazed mezzanine meeting space, and a biodiversity garden.
Detached Home Extension in Duffield, Derbyshire
Clumber View, Duffield, Derbyshire
The Brief
Our client bought a 1960’s detached house in the popular Derbyshire village of Duffield. They wanted to live in a modern home with lots of open space and tasked us with extending, reconfiguring and modernising the design of their home.
Delivering a New Family Home
A Flexible Layout
Clumber View was designed to make an open flexible home at the same time as retaining separate spaces within the layout. A home that works as well for entertaining as it would for a family. Everyone has their own sanctuary within this house.
The Benefits of a Bespoke Design
Open Plan Living
An extensive open plan kitchen and living area is situated to the rear of the property opening up and connecting to the large garden. Connection to the outdoor space was key to this family, utilising large amounts of glazing, bringing the outdoors in. An outdoor kitchen and first floor roof terrace were both installed for the summer months.
Quality Materials
Materials were used to create a contemporary aesthetic and modernise the property.
A Detached Garden Room Northamptonshire
The Potting Shed, Hannington
Background
When constructing their new home, a National Planning Policy Framework; Paragraph 55, new build farmhouse designed by acclaimed architect James Gorst, the client wanted to create a room in the garden to entertain visitors. They wanted a room their guests would not forget.
The Brief
Swain Architecture was brought onto this project by renowned landscape architect James Alexander Sinclair to create an iconic party room with a unique twist – the exterior shell of the building is designed to resemble an old potting shed in a secret walled garden.
Designing for a Rural Environment
Using Appropriate Materials
Built using an agricultural steel frame, the building’s exterior incorporates disused materials including rusted tin roof, reclaimed brick and stone from the farm originally on the site, to achieve its desired weathered look. Despite its rustic appearance, the build is well-insulated and is fully protected against the elements.
A High-end Specification Entertainment Room
Inside the room is functional and modern. Features include a pizza over and Teppanyaki table and bar – enviable requirements for the ultimate party room. This is our take on a contemporary garden Folly.
