New Sustainable Home in a Protected Area

Planning permission has been approved for an exciting new project in the Architecture Studio at HollandGreen. This innovative eco-conscious home in Surrey shows that sustainability and exceptional design can go hand in hand – even in the most sensitive heritage locations.

Designed as a forever home for a family, this five-bedroom property is designed to carefully balance modern innovation with respect for its surroundings, and sets a new standard for eco-friendly homes in protected areas.

Replacing an Arts and Crafts-style house and nestled beside a Grade II-listed building, it has been carefully positioned and built using natural materials to integrate seamlessly into the landscape. Remaining sensitive to the surrounding listed buildings and having minimal impact on the wider conservation area, its low roofline reduces visual impact, while a green roof helps regulate temperature and supports local biodiversity.

Designed to Passivhaus standards, the property boasts high-performance insulation and airtight construction to ensure year-round energy efficiency. A heat recovery ventilation system keeps the air fresh and comfortable, while solar panels and a ground source heat pump allow the home to generate as much energy as it consumes. A rainwater harvesting system further enhances water efficiency.

The choice of materials also plays a big part in reducing the home’s carbon footprint. For example, rammed earth walls naturally regulate the temperature inside the home. Our design has also prioritised waste reduction, repurposing 10% of demolished materials on-site and diverting 90% of construction waste from landfill. Over a 60-year lifespan, the home’s whole-life carbon footprint will be significantly lower than a typical new build, contributing to long-term sustainability.

The surrounding outdoor space has been crafted with the same level of care as the home itself. Set within a generous plot, the landscape balances privacy with biodiversity, featuring native hedging, wildflower meadows and nectar-rich planting to attract birds, bees and butterflies. An orchard, inspired by the site’s history, provides a beautiful and productive space for the family.

A carefully designed wildlife corridor has been incorporated, boosting biodiversity by over 10%. Sustainable outdoor materials, including recycled concrete paving, composite timber decking and self-binding gravel, further enhance the eco-friendly design. To protect existing trees, the home was built with hand-dug pad foundations, ensuring minimal disturbance to root systems.

Designed as a hidden gem, the house remains unseen from the main street, slowly revealing itself as visitors move through the landscape. Ancient oak trees lead the way to the entrance, where natural materials blend harmoniously with the surroundings. Brick and bronze cladding create a timeless quality, and thoughtfully placed openings add intrigue, encouraging exploration.

Inside, a skylight above the front entrance highlights a striking rammed earth wall, while the stairwell’s roof light draws in natural light, connecting the interior with the rear garden. On either side of the staircase sit the home’s bedrooms: the left wing is designed with future accessibility in mind, while the right wing – housing a bedroom – is elevated to span over the roots of a nearby Tree Preservation Order (TPO) tree. This elevation was made possible by a bespoke structural system, carefully engineered to preserve the tree’s roots beneath.

Throughout the home, rooms are positioned to capture sunlight from the south, ensuring warmth and brightness from morning to evening. A dedicated office space offers serene views of the front garden, complete with an outdoor seating area for work and relaxation. A glazed bridge enhances the feeling of indoor-outdoor living, with sunken courtyards adding depth and connection to nature.

At the heart of the home is an expansive open-plan living, kitchen and dining area that flows effortlessly into the rear garden. Simple, yet intriguing openings spark curiosity, leaving you eager to discover what lies within. An outdoor terrace and pond create a seamless extension of the indoor space, with water appearing to flow directly from the building. Vertical, movable blinds provide shade in the summer while allowing the home to open fully to the outdoors, creating a natural cooling effect.

Upstairs, the master wing overlooks the sunken courtyards, offering a peaceful sanctuary with a private roof terrace for stargazing and quiet moments in nature.

Descending to the basement, a separate studio space with its own sunken courtyard provides a tranquil retreat, while a nearby play area allows the family’s daughter to play safely while staying connected to the rest of the home. A thoughtfully placed staircase ensures easy movement between the lower level and the main living spaces, enhancing the home’s sense of flow.

“Ultimately, this home tells a story – a journey of discovery and connection,” says James Hurst, Associate Director of Architecture at HollandGreen. “From the hidden entrance to the expansive living spaces at the rear, every detail has been considered to create a home that balances modern comfort with a deep respect for its surroundings.”

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