Completed in 2026, Orchard House is a contemporary family home located in a mature garden plot close to a picturesque village in rural Huntingdonshire. Designed to combine traditional character with modern visuals and outstanding energy performance.
A key feature of the exterior is the South Berkshire Blend Brick. The warm blend of red and brown tones creates a timeless appearance that complements the surrounding countryside and reflects the character of traditional rural buildings. The natural clay bricks add texture, durability, and lasting visual appeal to the property.
House Form Architects designed the house around bright, open-plan living spaces that connect directly to a south-facing courtyard, orchard, and countryside views. Large windows maximise natural light while creating a strong connection between the home and its landscape.
Traditional architectural details, including pitched roofs, deep window reveals, and natural timber elements and outdoor living space that combine with the South Berkshire Blend brick to create a home that feels both classic and contemporary. The other carefully selected building materials will weather beautifully over time, ensuring the property retains its character for generations to come.
Sustainability was central to the project. Orchard House has been designed to meet the AECB CarbonLite standard using Passivhaus principles, which is a performance based building strategy aiming at reducing energy consumption with high levels of insulation, excellent airtightness, and mechanical ventilation providing year-round comfort and energy efficiency.
The South Berkshire Blend bricks from Traditional Brick & Stone play an important role in giving Orchard House its distinctive appearance, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainable design. Despite planning challenges associated with building a new home within a garden plot, the design was carefully developed to respect the scale and appearance of the surrounding village. Working closely with the local planning authority helped ensure the finished home sits naturally within its setting.
Images provided by House Form Architects
