The 1,000sq/m property - a third of which is subterranean - will replace an existing 1980s chalet-style bungalow in historic Belbroughton, near Stourbridge. Austin Design Works has spent 12 months working on their proposal after a previous application submitted by another practice was refused by Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils. At the heart of ADW’s concept was the creation of a replacement dwelling in the Greenbelt which meets all the expectations of modern living, incorporating exceptional design and state-of-the-art technology and energy efficiency. The innovative property, which will sit in 4.3ha of formal gardens, meadows and parkland, will be a home for current and future generations. It features subterranean car parking; a swimming pool, gym and bar; entrance hall with glass lift and high levels of natural light and spacious living areas to maximise the countryside views. On the ground floor is an open-plan sitting room, kitchen and dining room spilling out on to three terraces. Upstairs are two galleries and a master suite. To the east of the inner courtyard are guest suites, connected to the house via a loggia. Swathes of glazing are given shading to control privacy and manage solar energy levels. Low-energy, sustainable and recycled materials will be used in construction - including faience cladding - and a ground source heat pump is to be installed, while the latest advanced Passivhaus thermal modelling software (PHPP) was used. A major challenge was to recontour the surrounding land, some of which had been used as landfill, to create a lake. Over-grazed and lacking natural biodiversity, Rachael worked with an ecologist to design wildlife corridors and thousands of trees will be planted to encourage the return of native species.