Middle Coombe sits in a rural location, east of Diptford. The site benefits from a south facing aspect and panoramic views over the undulating river valley slopes of the South Hams. Our proposal sought to replace an unsympathetic 1970s dwelling with a high quality innovative scheme that responds to the landscape features and enhances the character of the local area. The house is set back within the hillside, and the lower ground floor within the contours of the sloping site. The ‘C’ shaped upper floor plan creates a west facing open courtyard with views along the valley. The materials are influenced by agricultural building typologies, including a pitched standing seam zinc roof, full height glazing to the inner landscaped courtyard, dark timber vertical boarding, and horizontal timber louvred sliding screens. High performance minimum profile metal/timber sliding doors and windows reduce the visual impact and to allow for uninterrupted views. Heating demands are minimised through high insulation levels and good air tightness standards. Although the internal courtyard is predominantly glazed (to maximise the occupants enjoyment of their location) the other elevations are well insulated.