1903    Self-Build family home

Photography credit: David Valinsky Photography

Our clients approached us to design a new family home as part of the Custom/Self Build development at Long Four Acres in South Norfolk. With the build zone positioned near the southern frontage of the plot, the challenge was clear: to create a home that maximised natural light and maintained strong connections to the sunniest areas of the garden, without compromising privacy or comfort.

To achieve this, we carefully positioned the house along the eastern boundary, opening up the southwest corner for a sunny “evening” garden. The design balances solidity and warmth — a robust masonry plinth grounds the building, while a lighter timber-framed first floor sits above it, the two offset forms running north–south to minimise overshadowing and enhance daylight throughout the home.

Timber-lined insets carved into the masonry create sheltered spaces at the front and rear — welcoming entry and outdoor seating areas that blend architecture with landscape. Inside, the west side of the home forms a flowing kitchen, dining, and living space anchored by a feature brick fireplace. The living area steps toward the garden, capturing sunlight through a corner window and generous rooflight. Set within a single-storey element with higher ceilings, it feels airy and calm — a place where light and space define the experience of home.

The result is a bright, efficient, and beautifully balanced family house that responds directly to its site and the way its owners live — a refined example of what’s possible in contemporary self-build design.