Hop Cottage

This project demonstrates how the careful reuse of material resources can be deftly and economically integrated into projects in historic rural contexts, contributing to the ambitious development of a contemporary local vernacular. The remodelling of this family home seamlessly integrates within a landscape designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty while minimising the impact of both embodied and operational carbon—all delivered on a modest budget of £70,000. The clients and AOMD took time to identify local waste streams, which then informed the concept and spatial design for re-configuring the scheme. To minimise landfill, an existing conservatory was removed and resold, with the new extension designed to sit on the existing slab. Meanwhile, the retaining structure for the steeply sloping site was built using demolition materials. Timber framing was sourced from a local builder's merchant, selecting standard profiles that required minimal customisation. AOMD achieved an elegant waterstruck-esque finish by using the rough, reverse face of a lower-cost brick sourced from a yard specialising in rejects and overstock from larger sites just 10 miles away
he new central point of entry enhances biodiversity by converting 30% of the lawn (previously modified grassland) into native deep borders while stabilising the garden against subsidence. This includes a temperate sunken courtyard to the east, a lower terrace with soft wild grasses to the west—extending the wildflower field beyond—and an orchard with permeable paving to the north. Internally, the layout has been opened up to maintain a constant connection with the surrounding landscape, offering views through the crafted timber-framed spaces into the kitchen, living, and reading rooms. A generously glazed façade features sloped eaves and overhanging corner-opening windows, preventing overheating and improving comfort levels throughout the year by facilitating natural cross-ventilation.