Studio Projects Journal Contact

Project	Replacement Dwelling National Park
Location	Hawnby, North York Moors
Photographer	Jim Varney
Sector	Contemporary

Replacement dwelling in the North York Moors National Park

This replacement dwelling project demonstrates how modern homes can be successfully developed within the North York Moors National Park while respecting the area's distinctive landscape character. Working within the National Park's strict planning policies, we designed a contemporary family home that replaces an existing property with a more sustainable and energy-efficient dwelling.

The project required careful navigation of National Park planning guidelines, which typically restrict new residential development but allow replacement dwellings where the existing building's footprint and scale can be improved upon. Our replacement dwelling architects worked closely with the National Park Authority to ensure the design met all policy requirements while delivering the client's vision for a modern family home.

The new house respects the traditional building materials and forms found throughout the North York Moors, using locally sourced stone and slate to create a building that sits comfortably within its moorland setting. The design incorporates contemporary elements such as larger glazed areas and open-plan living spaces while maintaining proportions and detailing that complement the surrounding vernacular architecture.

Sustainable design principles were central to the project, with enhanced insulation, efficient heating systems, and renewable energy technologies integrated throughout. The replacement dwelling achieves significantly better environmental performance than the original building, demonstrating how National Park policies can support improved sustainability outcomes.

The landscaping and site layout were carefully considered to minimise impact on the sensitive moorland environment. Native planting and traditional stone boundary walls help integrate the new dwelling into the existing landscape, while improved drainage and sustainable urban drainage systems protect the local water environment.

This project shows how replacement dwelling opportunities within National Parks can deliver highquality modern homes while enhancing rather than detracting from these precious landscapes. The successful collaboration between client, architects, and National Park planners resulted in a building that serves as an exemplar for sensitive development within England's protected countryside.