In 2013 Pearce Bottomley Architects were approached by clients Tom and Sue Kenny to design a contemporary new build home in Fairburn, North Yorkshire.
The house was designed to optimise the spectacular views across Fairburn Ings, a protected RSPB Nature Reserve, and to react to the steeply sloping site fronting onto the village street.
Conceptually the design was inspired by the metaphor of house as camera; spaces are set out in direct relation to the views with internal walls splayed to direct the gaze to the landscape. Sliding and folding, glazed and solid doors and shutters cross the various apertures to control the flow of light, view and air through the rooms.
The three storey staircase allows light to flood down to the basement level from roof lights. Projecting eaves and balconies help shade the predominantly glazed rear elevation. From the village street the house reads as a modest dormer bungalow but opens up with the slope to a three storey balconied chalet, facing onto The Ings.
The owners have now decided to downsize, and Croft House is for sale for £550,000 through Dacre, Son and Hartley, Wetherby.