FBA were granted uncontested planning consent for a new lifetime home outside the development envelope, adjacent to a SSSI, overlooking a nature reserve in Ely Cambridgeshire. Because of the site’s location the house is designed to have as low a visual impact as possible. This was achieved utilising materials that reflect the surrounding, i.e. horizontal timber cladding and grey-brown handmade brickwork, and a long low green roof, the form of which is interrupted by cut outs and an irregular shaped rooflight. The design also allows for views and glimpses of Ely Cathedral throughout the house. The design includes environmentally friendly features including high levels of insulation, an air source heat pump and a photovoltaic array set into the side of the site that is invisible from the surrounding and the house.