The house is located on the flat upper part of the site where it can be closely connected to the development and workings of the plant nursery.  In this location the dwelling is buffered from the prevailing south-westerly winds by the trees that have been planted by our clients.  Over time these will grow to a height of approximately 20 metres.  These deciduous trees on the sunny side will help to shade the house from excess heat during the summer months, but allow the lower winter sun to reach the house providing solar heat gain.

The form of the house is kept as simple as possible with a hipped roof .  It is deliberately kept as low to the ground as possible with a step in section to meet the existing contours and minimise the requirement for cut and fill.  A projecting service area containing a shed and bin-store/utility area helps to create a sheltered outdoor terrace relating to the living areas and a series of low walls and planters also form terraces that help to integrate the dwelling into the landscape.  In certain places the plan is indented from the roofline to create covered transitional spaces between inside and out.  

Traditional and natural materials are used throughout, seeking to carefully integrate the house with its setting.  The hipped roof is clad in Bangor Blue Natural Slates and will have a simple fascia and metal gutters and downpipes.  The main walls are rendered with a low limestone plinth forming the base.  The windows are timber and the fenestration is designed as simply as possible.