Hetreed Ross obtained planning permission for the demolition of two semi-detached bungalows in Bath, replacing them with two four bed contemporary dwellings. We remained involved in the development of one of these projects until its recent completion on site. Set in a conservation area and part of Bath’s World Heritage site, the house is in leafy Lyncombe Vale on a sloping site. The original 1960s bungalow was in a very poor state and too small for our clients’ needs; they purchased the property with a project in mind and were attracted by the beautiful woodland setting. A replacement detached dwelling was the ultimate goal. Planning issues were complex, as the site is in an area with demanding ecology needs, with a brook and large local bat population to take into consideration, sensitive landscaping design and provision for wildlife within the proposals smoothed the way through to an approval. This allowed for a well-designed modern home with good thermal performance and plenty of natural daylight. The new house has accommodation over 2 floors and uses the natural topography of the site to form a split-level plan that provides a significantly better relationship with the south facing garden. The interior features a muted palette of Scandi colours, oak and limestone floors on the ground floor, with a stylish kitchen by Husk. Tall metal windows flood the open plan living areas and bedrooms with light. Externally larch cladding covers the most prominent walls, this will fade to a soft grey over time allowing the building to settle into the landscape. A really good three-way relationship between client, architect and contractor on this project made a complex build, with tricky access, run very smoothly on site.