As reported in the The Architects’ Journal, we are delighted to announce that East Suffolk Council has granted planning permission for Serpentine House. The new build, off-grid country home has been designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape using the principles of biomimicry to develop an empathetic and interconnected form of architecture that works with nature and the environment of the site.

Granted permission through Paragraph 80, Serpentine House builds upon the rich tradition of East Anglian architecture but takes it in an exciting new direction.

The design takes an innovative approach to sustainability, viewing the house and garden as a series of integrated systems that will enable true off-grid living. Rainwater collection and a borehole on site mean no main connection will be needed. A productive energy garden, combined with extensive battery storage, a ground source heat pump and Passivhaus levels of insulation will also allow the site to produce enough energy for the entire building.

The shapes of both the house and its garden have been derived using natural algorithms to reflect natural proportions and geometries. The result is a free-flowing form that hugs the contours of the land, reducing the scale and impact of the project.

The house features an undulating roof that mimics the shape of a leaf. A series of rafters floating over the external walls of the building create rib-like structures capped by the ‘spine’, the rhythmic form of the ridge beam at the summit. The bespoke metal roof will age gracefully over time and introduce a distinctive visual addition to the area whilst remaining sensitive to its surroundings.

Typical of many historical country houses, Serpentine House contains a mixture of grand spaces for entertaining and more cosy areas for living. The extent of the building balances the needs of the more inspirational accommodation with the efficient use of space to minimise environmental impact.

Working with the wider, expert team we developed a proposal that presents a pioneering approach to designing and delivering a country home. Serpentine House will be both beautiful in its setting and revolutionary in its approach to regenerative design.

The team included McGregor Coxall, Engenuiti, Xylotek, PT Projects Ltd, Hoare Lea, Hayden’s and Applied Ecology Inc.

Do read the AJ article here.

Tate + Co wins go-ahead for ‘leaf-like’ country house clause home (architectsjournal.co.uk)