Private Residence, Wiltshire

Cousins Wojciechowski Architects has overcome stiff local opposition to win planning permission for this private house in rural Wiltshire.

A retired couple returning to England from Spain commissioned the practice to design a single-story structure with high levels of natural light and which avoided pastiche and historical references.

Situated in the village of Urchfont near Devizes; a Conservation Area boasting 78 listed buildings. The parish council and local residents campaigned strongly against the modern intervention.

However the practice received strong support from Kennet District Council all the way through planning. Its confidence and belief in the scheme was matched only by the opposition from local residents.

The 225sq m design uses a palette of ship lap timber, glass and render. A long private drive leads to a glass-fronted vestibule, beyond which is a display area for art, the living room, kitchen and a corridor to the three bathrooms and bedrooms, all of which look out onto a private garden.