Rowley cottage is a contemporary new build house in the Surrey Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. It is a bespoke design for a private client on an elevated site with spectacular views looking south towards St Martha’s Hill. The design arose out of detailed discussions with the client and their desire to pursue an approach that would mix local distinctiveness with contemporary elements. Our starting point was the importance of the view and the desire to place the main living spaces at a point on the site that would optimise the outlook.