Cannon Clarke Architects have designed a distinctive, development of 7 new dwellings at the edge of Fakenham, a traditional market town in North Norfolk. An inherited Outline Planning Permission for 6 dwellings was significantly re-visited in terms of site layout, resulting in an increase in development value and better quality architecture for our client. A mix of 3-bed and 4-bed executive homes are proposed on disused farmland that cuts into sloping topography, with much of the mature vegetation to the site boundaries maintained. Avoiding the typical vernacular flint cottage aesthetic, the development’s layout is suggestive of a barn complex or ‘grange’ and includes a central open space - as opposed to individual private front gardens and ‘Highways Standard’ adoptable road. With the dwellings promoting opportunities to work from home a sense of community is engendered within the shared landscape. The site also facilitates a pedestrian route to the Town Centre. The dwellings have been planned over 3 storeys with the top being ‘room in roof’ accommodation. Externally a contemporary take on vernacular ‘agricultural’ materials has been employed. Thermal efficiency has been considered and features such as the timber slat brise-soleil over the expansive glazed entrance screen ensure that the houses will not overheat. Each home benefits from a comfortably sized private rear garden orientated to enjoy direct sunshine.