Longhouse

Heslington, York, North Yorkshire

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Longhouse is a new home for a local Heslington family. The concept of the scheme was to construct a new two storey linear dwelling along the northern edge of the site designed to reflect the character of the former agricultural buildings here. The scheme uses a range of materials; brick, oak weatherboarding and a seamed black zinc roof. A single storey glazed link connects to one of the two storey brick barns. The separate free standing barn is to be used for storage at ground floor, and a home office at first floor, utilising the existing external stone and brick stairs. 

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The house is within the Heslington Conservation Area and was partly designated within the Green Belt. As such, the demands of the project were to ensure the scheme did not cause ‘visual harm’ and is perceived to be a significant visual improvement on the buildings it replaced. The ground floor is a free flowing series of living spaces, with the central core being a double height glazed space housing a magnificent sweeping staircase, designed by www.bisca.co.uk.

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To the northern edge of the ground floor are a number of service rooms. At first floor level there are three bedrooms, all with vaulted ceilings. The structure of the house uses purpose designed oak and stainless steel trusses. Externally a series of double height oak columns pay homage to the former pole barn on the site. 

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