Native Architects, York

After a turbulent planning process including re-submission and finally appeal, Birchwood Farmhouse was completed.

The single storey replacement dwelling was met with great resistance by the Selby D.C. planning department who supported the design appearance, but insisted its size was an unacceptable obstruction to the openness of the surrounding countryside when compared to the original 2 storey roadside house. Native worked tirelessly negotiating with the planning department and strategically developed a winning case for the proposal that was eventually given permission at appeal. Native’s extensive experience with local authority planning departments, in-house 3 dimensional modelling skills and successful teamwork with the best planning specialists was critical to the success of the project.

The approved design repositioned the new house away from the road to a more appropriate position. This enabled sheltered garden spaces and a secure driveway especially designed to meet this needs of the client, who was a wheelchair user and garden lover.

Natural light streams into the key living spaces through high-level windows and wide bi-folding doors, which also allow the garden to flow into the house and enhance the connection and accessibility to the outside. The internal layout is sensitively designed around wheelchair accessibility and its occupant’s reach. The client was keen to avoid institutional disability aids and only the best quality products and finishes were specified.

The house embodies the best use of traditional materials and site orientation to take advantage of passive solar energy whilst combining highly insulating construction methods to minimise the environmental impact of the house. It is heated by a ground source heat pump, has photovoltaic panels integrated into one roof slope and a whole house heat-recovery ventilation system.

Birchwood provides a comfortable and energy efficient home for the client.