The Shrublands

Project overview

The first phase of this high-end development in the charming village of Beetley, Norfolk, saw the construction of five high-spec country homes: a bungalow, a chalet, and three traditional houses. The second phase, currently underway, will add an additional 12 homes to the site. The overarching goal of the project was to deliver high-quality, luxury living while preserving the essence of Beetley’s rural charm. The design approach sought to integrate modern amenities with the traditional aesthetic of the village, creating homes that resonate with the area’s heritage while offering contemporary living spaces for residents.

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Design approach

In a village like Beetley, where the surrounding landscape and architecture are integral to the area’s identity, it was essential to design homes that would both complement and enhance the local environment. The development was carefully planned to ensure that the new homes sit harmoniously within the landscape, retaining the integrity and traditional character of the village.One of the key design features of this development was the use of local flint. This material is iconic to the Norfolk area and was incorporated into the façade of several homes. By using flint, we not only reflected the area’s historical building techniques but also ensured the new homes were rooted in their local context. In addition to flint, large oak porches and cart lodges were strategically designed to bring a touch of elegance and timelessness.​

 

Challenges and solutions

This development posed several challenges, especially given the delicate nature of its rural setting. Several environmental and regulatory considerations had to be addressed, ensuring that the design of the development did not disrupt the local landscape or wildlife.

 

Building outside development boundaries: Part of the land where the development was taking place fell outside the approved development boundaries. This required careful negotiation and collaboration with local planning authorities to ensure that the new homes adhered to zoning regulations while respecting the natural surroundings.​

 

Asbestos removal: Two barns on the site contained asbestos, which posed significant safety challenges during the demolition process. We worked closely with environmental experts to remove the asbestos safely and within the guidelines of the health and safety regulations.

 

Bat house construction: As part of our commitment to local wildlife, a new bat house was constructed to accommodate the local bat population. This step was necessary to ensure the development did not disturb any existing wildlife habitats and complied with regulations surrounding protected species.

 

Anglian water pipe and ‘no dig’ zone: An old Anglian Water pipe running through the site had a designated ‘no dig’ zone, which meant certain areas of the site had to be avoided during construction. This required careful planning of the layout to ensure that the development did not infringe upon this zone and remained structurally sound.

 

Flood risk area: A portion of the site lay within a designated flood risk area. As a result, we had to design the development in a way that minimised any potential flood risk, including the strategic placement of homes and the introduction of appropriate drainage systems.

 

Reptile habitat preservation: The site was home to various reptile species, and it was vital that their habitats were preserved throughout the construction process. We collaborated with wildlife experts to relocate any animals that needed to be moved and ensured that their habitats were safeguarded.

 

Outcomes and impact

The first phase of this development was completed successfully, with the new homes blending seamlessly into the village of Beetley. The careful integration of local materials, such as flint and oak, along with the addition of traditional features like cart lodges, has created a collection of homes that reflect the heritage and character of Norfolk while offering modern living spaces for families.The second phase, which is currently under construction, will bring an additional 12 homes to the area, further contributing to the development of the village in a sustainable and sensitive manner. The project has not only enhanced the local housing stock but has also shown that luxury living and rural charm can coexist in harmony.

 

Conclusion

This development is an exemplary case of how thoughtful architectural design can preserve and enhance the character of a rural community. By integrating traditional materials and features with modern living standards, we have created homes that are rooted in their local context while offering future-proofed spaces for modern lifestyles. Through careful attention to environmental and regulatory considerations, we ensured that the development respected both the heritage of Beetley and the natural landscape, contributing to a sustainable and attractive village setting for years to come.