Hershaw: A Sensitive New Build in the North Wessex Downs
A Project By: Tony Holt Design
Designing a new home within a conservation area is always a careful balancing act. When that site also sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and alongside a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the challenge – and responsibility – increases significantly. This project in rural Wiltshire required a considered, fabric-first approach that respected its extraordinary setting while delivering a contemporary family home tailored to modern living.
The plot occupies a prominent position within the North Wessex Downs AONB and was originally home to an ageing dwelling that made, at best, a neutral contribution to the character of the area. The client had previously explored the option of demolition and rebuild, but planning consent had been refused due to the site’s sensitivity. Tony Holt Design was appointed to take a fresh look at the project, beginning with first principles.
At the earliest stage, we undertook a detailed assessment of whether the existing building could be remodelled or whether a replacement dwelling was the more appropriate route. While refurbishment can often be a sustainable and pragmatic option, it quickly became clear that the constraints of the existing structure would prevent the client from achieving their spatial, environmental, and functional aspirations. A carefully designed new build, by contrast, offered the opportunity to significantly enhance the site while delivering long-term environmental and architectural benefits.
The site itself presented a complex set of challenges. In addition to the conservation area and AONB designation, the nearby river formed part of an SSSI, introducing ecological sensitivities and flood risk considerations. Mature trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders framed much of the plot, while a nearby Grade II listed building required careful consideration in terms of scale, massing, and visual impact. Privacy for neighbouring properties was another key factor.
The final design responds directly to these constraints rather than attempting to override them. The building’s form, position, and orientation were carefully developed to follow the movement of the sun throughout the day and across the seasons. The majority of the glazing is concentrated on the rear and side elevations, facing southeast and southwest, opening views across the wider landscape and drawing natural light deep into the home. By contrast, glazing on the north elevation – which faces neighbouring properties – is deliberately limited and confined to secondary spaces such as bathrooms and en-suites, allowing the use of obscure glazing to protect privacy.
Despite this restraint, the north elevation plays a vital architectural role. As one of the first elevations encountered on arrival, it was important that it conveyed a sense of hierarchy and presence. This was achieved through carefully placed corner glazing that wraps around the double-height entrance hall and first floor, creating visual interest while maintaining discretion.
Internally, the layout is organised around light, outlook, and family life. The kitchen, dining area, and family room follow the sun path, wrapping around the rear and side gardens to create a sequence of connected, light-filled spaces that open onto private areas of amenity. A more formal living room enjoys generous daylight throughout the day, offering a quieter retreat within the home.
The external material palette was chosen to sit comfortably within the surrounding landscape. Natural stone and cedar cladding form the primary finishes, complemented by small areas of render beneath a natural slate roof. Together, these materials help anchor the building in its rural context, ensuring it feels both contemporary and rooted in place.
From a construction perspective, the house was delivered using a prefabricated timber frame, combined with localised blockwork to support areas of stone cladding. Foundations were formed using piles and ground beams with a beam-and-block ground floor, responding to ground conditions and flood considerations. The client independently managed the build, undertaking elements of the fit-out themselves, supported by Fabric First Build Ltd.
Sustainability was integral to the project, with a fabric-first approach supported by solar PV, an air source heat pump, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), and underfloor heating throughout.
Planning consent was granted in 2019, and the house was completed in 2022. The result is a thoughtfully designed family home that demonstrates how sensitive new development, even in the most constrained settings, can enhance both place and lifestyle when guided by careful design and collaboration.
It is a project that reflects the kind of sensitive, design-led architecture increasingly celebrated in Architecture Vogue Magazine & Luxury Property Magazine, where context, craft and contemporary living are brought into careful balance
