Yew Tree Cottage is an existing, remote, rural, detached cottage in St. Arvans, Monmouthshire. The property benefits from landscape aspects on all elevations, particularly the wide-ranging landscape views to the west. The house is in an AONB and sits within five acres of land with associated outbuildings. The design, which includes increasing the floor area and providing new external space, takes advantage of the level change across the site in order to limit the massing of the proposal in relation to the existing house. Inspired by the clients Japanese heritage, the level change offered a unique opportunity to open up the rear part of the existing house, and create a calming, naturally day-lit inner courtyard, connecting all ground floor rooms whilst still maintaining the scale and 'feel' of the original cottage. Likewise, a green roof on the single storey element reads as an extension of the sloping field behind. Currently out to Tender (Nov.21), the ground floor extension will be formed largely as an insulated retaining structure, with the first floor bedroom being constructed as a timber frame, well insulated and air tight. Materials are to be in keeping with the existing house, utilising a simple mix of charred timber cladding and painted render. Carefully positioned glazing will enhance the experience of this house and its connectedness to the surrounding landscape.