Thomas Studio

Home Design & Renovation Professionals , Architects & Architectural Designers
6 Reviews
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Thomas Studio
6 Reviews

Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside

Getting planning permission for a self build home in open countryside is not an easy process. With the right architect engaged from the start your chances of getting planning permission are improved.

If you have an open countryside location in mind contact Architect Garry Thomas for a FREE call back to discuss the possibility of gaining planning permission and what is involved.

This stunning example is a part earth sheltered structure. It has two levels plus a roof terrace. The sloping site allows each level to connect to the ground level. The L-shaped plan is arranged to provide views to the surrounding landscape and to scoop in the daylight into the interior space.

As this design could not fit on a site anywhere else it meets the criteria of a Paragraph-79 house and is why it got planning permission.

The hand made bricks enhance the special character of the house and evoke traditional buildings in the locality.

Project carried on whilst working at rra.
Project Year: 2018
Project Cost: £1,000,001 - £1,500,000
Country: United Kingdom
This countryside living home is in a remote rural setting, some distance from the adjacent village. It's a paragraph-79 home with outstanding views of the surrounding countryside.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
The expanse of field adjoining the property comes right up to the elevation of the house. With a sweeping driveway connecting the house to the adjoining road. The garage is sunken below ground and hidden from view.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
The garage is sunken below ground and hidden from view. The first floor is the primary floor and is accessed via steps at the side of the driveway.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
The inner courtyard terrace is sunken and faces south so it scoops up the daylight into the house interior. The earth sheltered house means that the roof terrace is easy to access and can become part of the garden space.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
The roof terrace connects to the ground level to become a seem less connection with the environment.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
The brickwork exterior and the L-shaped plan is arranged around a chimney stack. This solid corner holds the pattern of windows together and props up the house visually.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
The interior spaces are light and airy. With a polished concrete floor daylight is reflected around the interior spaces.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
The hallway connects to the sunken courtyard garden spaces to the south elevation. The whole house is flooded with daylight and views to the countryside.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
The central staircase brings in light from above.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
The living, kitchen and dining space all become one. To enhance the open plan flexible living spaces of this stunning contemporary home.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
Part of the success of this house is its ability to absorb views of the surrounding countryside without being ostentatious or over bearing.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
The setting is some of Herefordshire best agricultural landscape. This stunning home meets the tests of planning permission.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
The earth sheltered design does allow the roof terrace to connect at ground level and become part of the garden space.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
The house becomes part of the landscape setting.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside
Staircase in glass lit from above with a skylight that rolls back to connect to the roof terrace.
Self Build – Earth Sheltered in Open Countryside