Oak Meadow Farm

The site of Oak Meadow Farm, located on greenbelt land within the rural outskirts of Kidderminster, had long been used for the keeping and raising of horses. The client approached us after procuring the land and stables, seeking a bespoke house design for their growing family. The contentious nature of the project had been a significant obstacle, for the family for some time and having spoken with numerous other people previously, were told that they would never achieve planning permission in that location for a new build house. Despite the challenges and comments, an opportunity arose to design a wonderful and unique modern home that would have a fighting chance when put in front of a design review panel. Our intention was to integrate the building seamlessly into the landscape, utilising the existing site elevations to sculpt the form into the natural terrain, rendering it almost invisible from the street corner and driveway. The design swept around and gradually rose out of the ground, creating a protected courtyard that led into the numerous living spaces of the house. The materiality of the build was also meticulously considered, incorporating timber and reflective surfaces to mirror the immediate surroundings. A green roof with meadow flower planting was installed to blend seamlessly into the existing meadow, promoting biodiversity and enabling more wildlife to flourish. This thoughtful approach not only respected the natural beauty of the site but also provided a harmonious and sustainable living environment for the family.