brown + company were commissioned to reimagine this modest plot in Nun Monkton and create a home that strengthens the village’s architectural narrative while offering a refined and contemporary living environment. The brief focused on replacing the deteriorating bungalow with a dwelling that would sit comfortably within the historic setting of the village green, responding to the distinctive rural character and established building forms that define the area.

A guiding ambition was to develop a design that worked intuitively with the site’s natural qualities, preserving key landscape features and respecting the spatial rhythms of the surrounding village. The new home balances traditional references with a modern sensibility, ensuring the architecture feels rooted in its context while providing spaces that are light-filled, well-connected, and crafted for long-term living. The result is a scheme that harmonises built form and landscape, enhancing both the experience of the occupants and the wider character of Nun Monkton.

A detailed study of Nun Monkton’s architectural character and arrangement guided the evolution of the dwelling’s form, ensuring it aligns with the rhythms, proportions, and material qualities that define the settlement. The site’s sensitive position overlooking the green, along with its relationship to neighbouring cottages and mature landscape features, informed both the orientation and overall massing of the building. Particular attention was given to protecting existing boundary vegetation and maintaining key sightlines across the village core.

The proposed dwelling delivers a contextually driven architectural response that reinforces the distinctive character of Nun Monkton and its setting around the village green. The design replaces an outdated structure with a home that feels rooted in the village’s historic fabric, drawing on the proportions, articulation, and material qualities of the surrounding dwelling to establish a refined yet understated presence. Subtle detailing and a disciplined composition ensure the building contributes positively to the wider landscape without overpowering its sensitive rural context.

A balance of intimate and outward-facing spaces allows the new home to engage with both its immediate landscape and the communal heart of the village. Carefully framed views toward the green, alongside a well-considered garden arrangement provide opportunities for privacy while maintaining a strong connection to the wider setting. New planting and boundary treatments have been selected to reinforce local biodiversity and enhance the sense of enclosure, creating a calm, welcoming environment that sits harmoniously within the character of Nun Monkton.

client: R Harpin

architect: brown + company

planning consultant: Paul Butler

contractor: Earlswood Construction LTD

heritage: Landpro

BNG: Wold Ecology