Squareyard - Moorland Retreat

Squareyard were recently appointed to provide a feasibility assessment for a new dwelling being pursued via the Paragraph 55 route. We produced the following design concept for discussion with the local authority. The concept hinges on the idea of a moorland retreat taking influence from a traditional grouse/pheasant shooting hide. The existing site is covered with moorland grass Molinia caerula which will be wrapped over the building and across the green roof. The building has slim horizontal windows like a hide with views out from the upper floor take through/across the grasses on the roof.

The eastern end of the dwelling is formed with a simple glass cube with an oak beam superstructure to provide shading. The aim wall to use the oak beams to frame the view along the valley into the pocket of existing ancient woodland. The glass cube aims to provide the experience of being in the middle of the moors when in the kitchen. This room has little in the way of restriction to views out across the landscape in contrast to the other rooms in the house.

The selected material palette uses muted natural tones including oak beams, burnt cedar cladding and bronzed glass to remain recessive in the landscape. The external surface material use reinforced grass as the main access with gravel and decking to the circulation around the house. The combination of green roof and grass access routes aim to ensure the unit is recessive when view from the air as the proposed site sits on a key passenger plane route.

The existing landform has been retained to wrap around the dwelling with the back portions set into the hill. The adjacent mound ensures screening of the building from outside the site and provides shelter to the courtyard space from prevailing winds.

Above - Precedents images advising the layout and materials.