When we were commissioned to design a new modern home in a quiet hamlet on the outskirts of Harpenden, we were inspired by both the beauty of the site and the local architectural heritage. The area is home to several remarkable modernist houses, including Ahm House by Jørn Utzon and Ferrum House by John Bonnington—two influential works that set a strong precedent for thoughtful, contemporary design.

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The plot, situated within the Green Belt, contained an existing dwelling and several disused outbuildings. We began with a pre-application submission to the local council, which received a positive response and gave us a strong foundation for the project. From there, we worked closely with our client to develop a design that sits harmoniously within its surroundings. The house is carefully positioned within a natural clearing on the sloping site, respecting mature trees and established development pattern of the hamlet.

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The design is predominantly single-storey. Conceived as two slender volumes aligned along a north–south axis, the layout maximises garden views while opening up to the wider countryside beyond.

 

Generous glazing ensures abundant natural light and optimises solar gain, creating a low-energy, sustainable family home. Constructed in light-toned brickwork with contrasting dark timber cladding, the house is both contemporary in character and rooted in its landscape—a modern dwelling designed for healthy, comfortable living.