The brief was to design a new dwelling within a walled garden to the east of No. 23 The Green; a prominent 3-storey period house to the northern edge of Acomb Green, York Quality of Design/Context No. 23 was an important contextual element and as such became a conceptual starting point of the project. The design effectively reinterprets the adjacent double-fronted Edwardian house both in plan and elevation by creating two ‘blocks’ separated by glazed circulation space. The verticality of No. 23 was echoed by using zinc standing seam strips to merge the elevation and roof form, as well as form bespoke rain water channels. Located within the Acomb Green Conservation Area, the new house was consciously set back within the existing walled garden, whilst leaving space for mature trees to the rear. The ridge of the two ‘blocks’ were set at different heights, stepping up towards No. 23. The wedged-shaped site was also significant in developing the plan layout leading the two blocks to be set at an angle. The highly articulated footprint and profile aimed to break down the overall massing and respond to the steeply sloping site. Materiality/Colour Materially, the new house draws strong references from No. 23, by using red brick with buff brick edging. A ‘garden wall’ bonding was used with a lime mortar mix. Natural zinc was chosen to tie in with the colour and texture of the grey roof slates. The framing to all the windows and curtain wall glazing was also selected to match the colour of the zinc. Sustainability & Well being The house has a super-insulated external envelope, airtight construction, triple-glazing and MVHR; aiming to meet the AECB Silver Standard, which equates to a 75% reduction in energy costs compared to a new house to current building regulations. The design also includes; - High levels of natural light and views out of surrounding trees/green space - Indoor air quality improved using MVHR - Comfort levels improved using underfloor heating - Use of natural timber flooring and water-based paints - Use of gabions to create retaining walls within the front and rear garden areas - Space inside the building for homeworking and clothes drying - Generous secure cycle store adjacent to house with wild flower green roof - Good levels of privacy to the south facing, walled garden area to the front - Good public transport links to the centre of York and close to wide range of local amenities .