Our approach to the design of this private family house in Suffolk was to derive a modern aesthetic from local vernacular architecture, whilst maintaining a fundamental commitment to issues of sustainability. Inspired by local farm buildings, the exterior at ground floor level is entirely masonry - knapped flint with steel corners - while the exterior at first floor level is clad in black timber. The ground floor of the house is separated into wings which define external spaces around the building. Approached via the northern courtyard the building feels quite impenetrable. It is on entering however that the building’s interior reveals itself to be expansive, light and well connected visually to its grounds.