Sutton Spring Woods
The Challenge
Hidden away in a private clearing within Sutton Spring Woods, Chesterfield, the original site was occupied by a modest, two-bedroom 1970s bungalow. Despite the generous land, the existing structure was dark, thermally inefficient, and failed to capitalize on its unique, secluded setting.
The primary hurdle for MAD Architects LLP was the site’s location within designated Open Countryside. Planning regulations here are notoriously stringent regarding the scale of replacement dwellings. Furthermore, the steep topography and the towering tree canopy meant that any new design had to be surgically positioned to capture daylight and solar energy.
The Design Solution
Our "bold vision" for the site involved a complete departure from the original footprint. By undertaking a detailed site and shading study, MAD Architects LLP proposed relocating the building further North on the plot. This strategic move pulls the house away from the tree line, maximizing sunlight for both the internal living spaces and the roof-mounted solar array.
The architectural response is a refined, linear form that works with, rather than against, the landscape:
The Living Wing: Housing the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living spaces, this wing is set at a lower level to follow the natural fall of the land. Vast expanses of glazing to the South-West create a seamless connection to the private garden.
The Bedroom Wing: Stepped up to follow the topography, a central entrance separates the social hub from the private quarters, where a long rear corridor provides access to four double bedrooms.
Environmental Design & Performance
Because the project has been designed from the ground up to respect its woodland context, the technical specification is driven by Passivhaus principles. Rather than relying on traditional heating methods, the design utilizes high-performance fabric and passive solar gains.
Key environmental features include:
Site-Specific Solar Orientation: The linear plan ensures all habitable rooms benefit from south-facing glazing.
Advanced Building Fabric: Incorporating enhanced insulation, high thermal mass, and triple-glazed windows to minimize heat loss.
Sustainable Systems: The strategy includes an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP), MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery), and an integrated solar PV and battery system.
Material Harmony: The use of grey render and timber cladding acts as a direct aesthetic response to the forest setting, allowing the building to recede into the shadows of the trees.
Status and Next Steps
The local planning authority has currently refused the application for the replacement dwelling, citing concerns over the proposed scale within the Open Countryside. While this was a known risk for such an ambitious design, MAD Architects is now moving into a strategic phase to unlock the site's potential.
We are currently developing a Permitted Development (PD) "backstop" scheme. By designing a proposal that falls within the client's established development rights, we can provide a definitive benchmark for the volume and footprint allowed on the site. This scheme will serve as a critical piece of evidence as we work towards a formal planning appeal, demonstrating that the high-quality architectural replacement we have proposed is a far superior outcome for the woodland character than a fragmented series of permitted extensions.