Greenwood

The Greenwood project is a unique new build dwelling, set in the beautiful North Devon countryside. Gale & Snowden were able to obtain detailed planning permission for this ecological and low energy building on the site of a former single-storey dwelling.

The innovative building and landscape design makes the best use of site assets. The dwelling is built into the south facing bank of the valley to maximise solar gain and panoramic countryside views, whilst seeking shelter from cold Northerly winds. The site generates its own fuel and power from coppiced wood, solar thermal and PV panels and the productive garden provides food for the owners.

The house has been designed around a spectacular open plan kitchen / dining / living area that has soaring ceiling heights. Largely double-height, this is a room with rare qualities of light and space with wonderful views across the valley. The design also features local crafts incorporated into the building such as a bespoke oak spiral staircase, joinery throughout and a handcrafted kitchen.

Gale & Snowden provided full and integrated Architectural and Mechanical Engineering design services for this project from concept design to completion.

As building plots for self-build projects are becoming scarcer, a number of Gale & Snowden’s clients are finding properties that are beyond renovation. The practice has successfully achieved planning approvals for several similar projects for new and much improved ecologically aware dwellings.