Finnamore Wood is a new housing development of 5 substantial houses located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the outskirts of Marlow, Buckinghamshire.  Formerly a young offenders institute in 1961, the site is now left derelict following its closure in 1996. Napier Clarke Architects received planning for Finnamore Wood in 2021, the first successful planning application for 35 years.  The new application follows the parameters set by the approval in that of the proposed 5 new homes within the same plots.

Design

Our approach was to take the existing typology of the long single storey barn and reinterpret it. Further developing the scheme from the approved 2021 form, we have conceived the proposed dwellings on the site both individually and collectively. Individually, in the sense that each dwelling responds the peculiarities of its immediate respective site. Collectively, so as to appear a ‘family of buildings’ unified through crisp forms, roof pitches, fenestration and a simple common palette of high-quality materials. The proposed designs are respectful and subservient to the inherent natural beauty of the landscape that surrounds them.

Materials

The material palette relates to the local area and vernacular, including the former buildings on the site. The proposed concrete plinth at the base grounds each building within the landscape and accommodates for level changes against this edge on a strongly sloping site. The proposed use of flint, which together with the neutral tones of the timber and concrete, creates a calm and unified appearance respectful within the woodland context.

Sustainability

Across all the plots we have adopted a sustainable passive design approach when considering form and orientation. Particular attention has been given to the levels of the site, the orientation of each building with regards to aspect, and views both inwardly towards private gardens, and outwardly into the woodland.