Orchard Rise is a thoughtfully designed new home situated in the heart of Poughill’s conservation area, near Bude. Our client’s vision was to create a modern family home that respects the traditional character of the village while embracing contemporary architecture. The challenge was to blend modern design with heritage elements, ensuring the home fits seamlessly into its historic surroundings while demonstrating architectural progression.
To achieve this, we incorporated traditional forms such as a pitched roof, in keeping with the conservation area, while introducing contemporary glazing and carefully positioned openings to bring in natural light. The material palette—local stone, slate, and timber cladding—further enhances the connection to the village’s architectural vernacular while softening the home’s visual impact.
The rear elevation maximises views of the surrounding woodland, fostering a strong relationship between the house and its natural setting. Thoughtful landscaping, including the planting of native trees and shrubs, ensures that over time the home will nestle further into its environment, reinforcing the sense of place.
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the project. The home excels in energy efficiency, incorporating solar panels, air source heat pump, and high-performance insulated concrete form work (ICF) to reduce its lifetime energy consumption, while providing year-round comfort.
Internally, the layout strikes a balance between open-plan living and intimate, cosy spaces, including dedicated areas for work and relaxation—ideal for modern family life. Upstairs, the bedrooms offer a treehouse-like experience, surrounded by woodland views that create a sense of tranquillity and retreat.
Orchard Rise enhances the built environment by providing a contemporary yet contextually appropriate home that allows a family to grow and thrive in a traditional Cornish village setting. The design respects the scale of the area, ensuring it sits comfortably alongside Poughill’s larger dwellings without feeling oversized or out of place.
Our client is delighted with the outcome—his vision has been brought to life, creating a forever home that is both sensitive to its surroundings and a testament to modern, sustainable living in Cornwall.
