Placed in front of a substantial Victorian house, next to a grade I listed medieval church and opposite the Walter Gropius grade I listed Village College, winning permission for a house on this site was an exercise in responding appropriately to context. A number of options for siting the building were discussed in a very helpful pre-application process with South Cambs District Council planners, resulting in agreement in principle that a new two-storey house could replace an existing brick-built coach house that stood near the western boundary of the site. This location allows the new building to take its place in relation to the three prominent adjacent buildings, while avoiding a detrimental impact on either the adjacent mature trees or the amenity of the neighbours immediately to the west. The overall volume of the house is in two parts – the main house is the major element, with the lower volume of the garage with accommodation over subservient to it and at a 45° angle. To the right of the entrance, the living room and the generous balcony of the master bedroom above enjoy views out over the garden. A further two first floor bedrooms – both facing forward to avoid impacting on the neighbours – together with a ground floor bedroom and a study complete the accommodation. Stepping through the front door, one arrives in an L-shaped, open-plan kitchen, dining and living room with views on three sides. Part double-height, the light pours down from above onto the dining area. A sumptuous Sapele hardwood staircase cascades down into the hall from the first floor landing, which is a space in its own right offering views to the front and rear, library shelves and a seating area. The project was managed by Archangel from beginning to end, and the internal finishes and layout were detailed by our in-house interior designer.