THE PROJECT

This project involved the design of a new three-bedroom single storey house design created through the redevelopment of an existing stable building in Upper Hopton, West Yorkshire.

The original structure had been significantly altered over time, with sections rebuilt using modern stone and brick that were not consistent with the character of the original building. As a result, the building had already lost much of its authentic rural identity.

Rather than attempting to retain a compromised structure, the design approach focused on creating a new single storey house design that re-establishes the architectural character of the site, while delivering a modern and highly energy-efficient dwelling.

The result is a carefully proportioned rural home that balances traditional material character with contemporary construction techniques.

Planning Context

The planning process required careful consideration due to the site’s sensitive location.

The property sits between designated Green Belt land and the Upper Hopton Conservation Area, meaning the scale, form and architectural language of the new dwelling needed to respond carefully to its surroundings.

The design was therefore developed to reflect the proportions and material character of traditional rural buildings while maintaining a modest and appropriate scale within the landscape.

By respecting the surrounding context while introducing a well-considered architectural form, the proposal was able to secure planning permission for a new dwelling on the site.

Rebuilding the Character of the Original Structure

The existing stable building had undergone numerous alterations over the years. Sections of the structure had been rebuilt using modern materials that were not sympathetic to the original building.

Because much of the authentic character had already been lost, retaining the structure would not have restored the architectural quality of the site.

Instead, the project focused on rebuilding the architectural character from scratch, allowing the design to establish a more coherent and sympathetic rural dwelling.

This approach ensured the final building reflects the scale and appearance of traditional countryside buildings while delivering a significantly improved internal layout.

Architectural Design

The new home was designed as a single storey house design, carefully proportioned to sit comfortably within the surrounding landscape.

Externally, the architecture balances traditional materials with a clean and contemporary design approach. The building form and proportions reference agricultural structures typically found in the local area while incorporating modern glazing and carefully considered detailing.

Internally, the layout was designed to create a bright and practical family home with three bedrooms and open living spaces that connect with the surrounding countryside.

High Performance Construction – ICF System

A key element of the project was the use of an Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) structural system.

ICF construction uses expanded polystyrene formwork filled with reinforced concrete to create a highly insulated structural wall assembly. This approach significantly improves thermal performance, structural durability and airtightness compared with conventional masonry construction.

The design targeted high levels of building fabric performance, including:

• External walls: approximately 0.10–0.19 W/m²K
• Roof: approximately 0.15 W/m²K

Combined with careful detailing to improve airtightness, the construction system allows the building to significantly exceed standard building regulation performance while providing long-term durability and thermal comfort.

By combining modern construction methods with traditional external materials, the house achieves excellent energy efficiency while maintaining the architectural character required within its rural setting.

Single Storey House Design Project Outcome

This project demonstrates how careful architectural design can transform a compromised rural structure into a high-quality new home.

By responding sensitively to the surrounding planning constraints and re-establishing the architectural character of the site, the design creates a dwelling that sits comfortably within its countryside setting while delivering modern living standards.

The result is a well-balanced rural home that combines traditional character with contemporary construction and energy-efficient design.

Planning a New Home in North Yorkshire?

Whether you are considering a single storey house design, rural home or redevelopment of an existing building, early architectural advice can make a significant difference to both planning success and build quality.

Our architecture team regularly works on residential projects across West Yorkshire, helping clients secure planning permission and develop technically robust construction packages.

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