New Dwelling, Hasketon

This privately commissioned replacement dwelling was conceived by Wincer Kievenaar Architects to respond sensitively to its rural Suffolk setting. Drawing inspiration from the arrangement of historic farmsteads, the design places a series of pitched-roof forms around landscaped courtyards to create a strong sense of enclosure and place.

Planning consent was first secured in 2018 through the careful retention of the historic core of Oak Tree Cottage, which had been identified by the local authority as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset. Our approach balanced the ambition for a substantial new home with the need to respect the site’s history. During the build the clients chose to simplify the scheme and the original cottage was later removed, yet the completed dwelling remains faithful to the spirit of the design we set out.

The architectural language balances traditional Suffolk forms with contemporary detailing: handmade clay tiles, soft red brickwork, vertical timber boarding and areas of crisp painted render reflect the local vernacular, while generous glazing and a refined palette bring a modern sensibility. The massing is carefully broken down into smaller volumes to reduce visual impact and harmonise with the scale of surrounding buildings.

Internally, spaces are organised around a central courtyard, flooding the interior with natural light and strengthening the connection between inside and out. A mix of private and shared rooms – including a music studio and gym – has been tailored to the lifestyle of the clients.

Native planting, re-routed drainage features and new boundary treatments reinforce the architectural concept, helping the house sit comfortably within its meadow setting. Despite its generous scale, the result is a family home of character and architectural flair – contemporary in expression yet firmly rooted in its Suffolk context.

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