Willow Farm, North Somerset – A Climate-Conscious Rural Community
Willow Farm sets out a vision for a small, climate-conscious community rooted in the rural character of North Somerset. The development comprises five low-carbon homes, each designed to enhance well-being and enjoyment of the surrounding landscape. With a strong focus on sustainability and place-making, the homes adopt a subtle, contemporary take on traditional rural forms—creating a refined, high-performance cluster that sits comfortably in its setting. The approach integrates living with nature, supporting both individual lifestyle needs and collective environmental responsibility.
Barn Typology
The architectural form of each home draws inspiration from agricultural barn typologies, referencing the local vernacular in a modern, minimal language. The layout is informed by the traditional structure of a farmstead, with the homes arranged to define boundaries and communal spaces, much like working barns around a central yard. Open-sided carport canopies provide sheltered parking in keeping with the barn aesthetic, while the house forms themselves maintain simplicity in massing, pitched roofs, and robust materiality. Sliding glazed doors connect interiors to outdoor spaces, promoting a strong relationship with the landscape and enabling indoor-outdoor living throughout the year.
Landscape Strategy
The landscape at Willow Farm plays an equally critical role in the design, creating a rich, natural setting that weaves the homes into the environment. Sweeping dry-stone walls, communal planting zones, and verdant turning spaces echo the rural context, while private gardens are designed for biodiversity and beauty, featuring a mix of wildflower lawns, formal hedgerows, and tree planting. Gardens are oriented for maximum sunlight and views, with clear connections to indoor living areas. The result is a landscape-led development that provides space, privacy, and a shared connection to nature—strengthening the identity and sustainability of this distinctive rural hamlet.
