Introduction

Designed as a contemporary home for long-term living, Writtle Green replaces a smaller existing dwelling with a carefully detailed, three-sided courtyard house. Expansive glazing, quiet material choices and considered landscaping create a strong connection between the internal spaces, the private courtyard and the surrounding landscape. Set beside the River Wid, the house is elevated above the flood plain, combining an ambitious architectural response with the practical demands of its sensitive setting.

Brief

Our clients wanted to replace their existing home, which no longer provided the space or quality of living they needed, with a contemporary house designed for the long term. Their brief called for generous, light-filled living spaces, extensive glazing and a close relationship between the house and its landscape, while retaining privacy from the surrounding properties.

The proposal also needed to respond carefully to its location beside the River Wid. From the outset, flood risk, ecology, existing trees and the character of the predominantly green site were central to the development of the design.

Concept

The house is arranged around three sides of a landscaped courtyard, creating a private external space at the heart of the home. The central section contains a generous open-plan kitchen and dining area, opening directly onto the courtyard and raised deck, alongside a separate living room and wine room. Practical spaces, including the utility room and pantry, are concealed behind flush doors to maintain the simplicity of the main living areas.

A ground-floor guest wing provides two bedrooms with en-suite facilities, while the first floor is dedicated to the principal bedroom suite. Full-height glazing gives the bedroom views across the green roof and into the courtyard below.

The restrained external palette combines long-format grey brick, vertical timber cladding and a simple rendered band. Parapet roofs, concealed gutters and carefully resolved junctions reinforce the clean architectural form. The landscaping was developed with an experienced landscape designer - Anthony Purdy, helping the building and courtyard feel fully integrated rather than treated as separate elements.

Design Development

Early sketches explored how the accommodation could be arranged to balance openness, privacy and views. The courtyard form became central to the design, allowing extensive glazing without creating overlooking between the new home and the neighbouring properties. The composition was refined to produce a calm, three-sided enclosure, with the principal spaces orientated towards the courtyard. This gives the house a sense of openness from within while maintaining a private character when viewed from its surroundings.

Challenges

Achieving planning permission for a substantial contemporary home on a predominantly green site, surrounded by existing houses, required a carefully considered approach. The scale, position and orientation of the building were developed to protect neighbouring privacy, avoid overlooking and preserve the secluded character of the site.

Its riverside location presented a further technical challenge. The house is supported on piled foundations and elevated above the flood plain, allowing floodwater to pass beneath the structure while reducing potential effects on neighbouring properties. This provided an efficient structural response while helping manage the project’s construction costs.

A coordinated consultant team was essential. Through our established professional connections, we helped bring together the structural engineering, mechanical and electrical design, specialist glazing and other technical expertise required. The extensive glazing was supplied by ODC Glass, one of the trusted companies featured in our Connections network.

Sustainability

The environmental strategy is integrated into the architecture. Green roofs soften views from the first floor and contribute to biodiversity and surface-water management, while photovoltaic panels generate renewable energy. Rainwater harvesting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and a high-performing building envelope further reduce the home’s environmental impact.

Completion

Method Studio supported the project throughout its full journey, from the initial concept and planning strategy through technical detailing, Building Control, construction support and contract administration.

The completed house reflects the clarity of the original concept. Its exceptional finish, disciplined detailing and muted materials give it a calm, understated character, while the courtyard arrangement creates a home that feels generous, private and closely connected to its landscape.