CCA1332 / Church House, Sustainable New Build Dwelling
New Build / Dereham, Norfolk
Project Details
- Client Private Client
- Location Guestwick, Dereham
- Size GIA 271.338m²
- Sectors
Cannon Clarke Architects designed a contemporary, sustainable home within the curtilage of the existing Church House. The proposal respects the site’s historical context while providing a modern space suited to the client’s needs.
Our client aspired to construct a contemporary, sustainable family dwelling, suitable for modern-day living. Utilising the land within the curtilage of the current dwelling, Church House. The existing dwelling is over 100 years old and has poor energy efficiency. Therefore, the dwelling required a substantial amount of work to accommodate their modern living arrangements.
The initial proposal has been thoughtfully designed to provide the necessary family space while effectively addressing the immediate site constraints. To minimise its impact on the surrounding area, the proposal incorporates a single-storey development, carefully planned to limit visibility from both the nearby churchyard and the Grade I listed church. Moreover, the massing strategy has been influenced by the linear form of the site and its proximity to the listed building to the east, ensuring that the development not only respects the site’s natural features but also honours its historical context.
Proposed Design
The initial layout has been carefully designed in response to the site’s unique constraints. It features an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area with concentrated views towards a private courtyard. This creates a sense of connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The bedrooms are positioned to the west, offering privacy and scenic views, while essential amenities are oriented around the courtyard, maximising convenience and flow.
The adjacent church holds significant national value due to its historical, aesthetic, and evidential qualities. Particularly its construction materials, which include flint, stone, slate, and lead. Our design ensures that these important elements remain unaffected by the proposed development. Therefore preserving the church’s integrity while introducing a modern, sustainable dwelling that complements the surrounding landscape.
The proposed site is located to the west of the church, surrounded by large trees and greenery. Established trees and hedges provide natural screening for the site, while the proposed materials reflect the immediate built environment. The design includes the use of flint, in reference to the church, along with a zinc roof and timber cladding to create a contemporary contrast. A green roof is also incorporated to reduce the visual impact from the west gable of the church and to further enhance the building’s integration with its surroundings.
Sustainability
The sustainability of this project is at the forefront of its design. Several key strategies have been incorporated to ensure environmental responsibility and long-term viability. Surface water attenuation is addressed through the use of green roofs and permeable hard surfaces, effectively managing runoff. The biodiverse green roof, featuring endangered plant species suited to the local environment, not only enhances sustainability but also boosts local biodiversity.
To minimise energy demand and CO2 emissions, the building has been designed with a highly efficient thermal envelope, exceeding the standards set by Approved Document Part L. Full-height glazed windows, recessed to control solar gain, allow natural light to flood the interior spaces. This creates bright, comfortable environments. Solar panels, discreetly mounted on the zinc roof, provide renewable energy without affecting the visual integrity of the site or the views from the nearby listed building. These combined strategies reflect a comprehensive approach to sustainable architecture that complements both the natural and built environment.
As part of the early-stage design process, Cannon Clarke Architects will outline a clear design strategy and provide sufficient information to actively engage with stakeholders, the local authority, and conservation bodies. This approach will help ensure that any future planning applications are properly considered, minimising the risk of aborted works and planning refusals.
Contact us to discuss your next project
Contact Us