A Paragraph 79 home in the Norfolk countryside

Pivot House a new super-low energy, low impact family home in the Norfolk countryside. The proposal sits outside any settlement boundary, hence the design meets the very challenging criteria of Paragraph 79 (now Paragraph 80) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The building concept relates to the random nature of tree growth. This is in consideration of a parabolic arrangement of beams flying from a central spine. It is demarcated by the location of the tree placed in the centre of the courtyard. While providing an innovative timber framed structure, it works with a realistic budget using locally sourced air dried timber.

The existing land is made up of various scrub plants. This includes nettles, brambles and other species of tumbling weeds in addition to building rubble towards the entrance. The proposal provides new orchard planting and screening to the North. Studio Bark lowers the building into the landscape to subtly blend the it and the green roof into its surroundings. As a result, it enhances local biodiversity.

Studio Bark constructs the main building using flint gabions, quarried within a few miles of the site and using reject flints. Thus, scale of the flints varies to represent different areas of the building. While allowing more or less permeability through the skin this helps the building to blend back into the earth.

For the latest photos from the site please see our news story on the blog.

Client Testimonial

“From the initial designs I was impressed by the creative ability of the guys at Studio Bark, as the building has taken shape we are ever reminded of their innovative architectural talent.” 

What is Paragraph 80?

Pivot House was built under Paragraph 79 (now Paragraph 80) of the National Planning Policy Framework. Find out more about our work with Paragraph 80 homes here, and get in touch if you think we can help you with your isolated home building project.

Explore our Paragraph 80 approved homes here.