Set in the original grounds of a 16th century Grade II listed historic house, Loxley Stables is a sensitive development consisting of three low energy houses. Bringing the project to fruition required close work with Dacorum Council to balance client and housing needs with ecological and historical priorities. The scheme lies on the edge of the Hertfordshire village’s conservation area and acts as the gateway to the open fields beyond. By selecting a material palette that blends bespoke brickwork with varied timber cladding, we were able to ensure the dwellings belong in their rural landscape while incorporating modern detailing. One of the houses was built using Passivehaus construction as a test bed for low-energy, off-site construction. Though each house is unique, featuring handcrafted details, collectively they epitomise a modern, sustainable community.