Modern Craft in the Devon Countryside: Inside the Larch Houses

We’re always excited to be appointed to undertake new projects located in the countryside and the recently completed Larch Houses at Manley Farm in Tiverton show how contemporary architecture can be successfully woven into a rural context.

Built by Huntworth Developments Ltd, North Larch House and South Larch House make up an exclusive micro-development of just two bespoke detached homes. They manage to balance the natural beauty of the Devon landscape with modern design. By combining contemporary materiality with highly practical layouts, these homes are a masterclass in light, spatial flow, and sustainability.

Form, Flow, and Light

Good architecture is all about how a space makes you feel the moment you walk in. Each of these homes offers a generous footprint of around 3,336 sq ft, and the spatial narrative kicks off instantly with a fantastic double-height reception hall. It’s a soaring, light-filled void anchored by a beautifully crafted oak staircase that draws your eye right up to the galleried landing above.

The ground floor layout perfectly understands the rhythm of modern living, playing with the balance between open, social zones and quieter, cellular spaces. The core of the home is a huge open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space designed to be the social hub. But because open-plan living isn't always the answer to everything, the design thoughtfully carves out a separate sitting room and a dedicated quiet study.

We particularly love how the indoor-outdoor threshold. Expansive bi-folding doors essentially dissolve the walls, extending the living space seamlessly out onto the terraces. Because the landscaped gardens are oriented to the west, the architecture actively captures the warmth of that golden afternoon and evening sunlight.

A Fabric-First Approach to Performance

You can’t talk about contemporary architectural design without talking about environmental performance. These homes take a rigorous 'fabric-first' approach, meaning the building itself does a lot of the heavy lifting to reduce its carbon footprint.

The integration of green technology is incredibly clever but totally unobtrusive:

  • Air Source Heat Pumps: Providing a highly efficient, low-carbon solution for heating and hot water.

  • Smart Glass: Used across the expansive glazing, this is a brilliant architectural touch. It actively manages solar gain, preventing the beautifully glazed rooms from overheating in the summer while locking in the warmth during the winter.

  • Zoned Underfloor Heating: Giving you precise, room-by-room climate control across the entire ground floor footprint.

Sanctuary Spaces

Heading upstairs, the galleried landing acts as a bridge between the lively ground floor and the private retreat of the bedrooms. The spatial hierarchy up here feels incredibly generous and calm.

The five bedrooms are laid out to give everyone their own space:

  • The Principal Suite: A real sanctuary, complete with a dedicated dressing area and a beautifully detailed en suite bathroom.

  • The Guest Suite: Featuring its own en suite shower room, offering privacy for visiting family or friends.

  • Three Further Bedrooms: Generous, flexible spaces that share access to a meticulously finished family bathroom.

The Larch Houses are a wonderful reminder that rural homes don't have to be stuck in the past. By mixing contemporary materials with thoughtful, human-centric design and high-tech sustainability, this beautiful little development at Manley Farm feels like a breath of fresh air in the Devon countryside.

These properties are currently on the market and please see the link http://www.huntworth.co.uk/ for more information.

Beyond the Bricks and Mortar: How the Spaces We Inhabit Shape Our Wellbeing

Beyond the Bricks and Mortar: How the Spaces We Inhabit Shape Our Wellbeing

We spend the vast majority of our lives indoors. Yet, how often do we pause to consider how those environments actually make us feel?

At Tandem Architects, we believe that architecture goes far beyond mere bricks and mortar. It is the profound art of shaping the human experience. Whether it’s a bustling commercial workspace, a serene community library, or your own sitting room, the design of a space has a direct and measurable impact on our physical and mental wellbeing.

Here is a look at how thoughtful, human-centric architecture influences our everyday lives—and why it matters.

The Psychology of Light and Space

It is no secret that we are highly sensitive to our physical surroundings, particularly here in the UK where the weather can often be somewhat grey. Small, poorly lit rooms can make us feel confined and lethargic, whilst expansive, light-filled areas tend to foster creativity and optimism.

"A room is not a room without natural light." — Louis Kahn

When we design a space, maximising natural light is rarely an afterthought; it is a central guiding principle. Strategic placement of glazing, rooflights, and reflective surfaces helps to regulate our circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality and boosting daytime energy levels. Furthermore, playing with spatial proportions—such as vaulting a ceiling in an open-plan kitchen whilst lowering it in a snug or private retreat—creates an intuitive flow that guides how people naturally move and interact.

Bringing the Outdoors In (Biophilic Design)

Modern life often disconnects us from nature, but our brains are still wired to crave it. This is where biophilic design steps in. By integrating natural elements into the built environment, architects can significantly lower stress levels and improve cognitive function.

We achieve this connection through several thoughtful methods:

  • Tactile Materials: Utilising natural timber, exposed stone, and raw textiles to create a warm, organic feel.

  • Visual Connections: Carefully framing views of surrounding gardens, rolling landscapes, or urban greenery.

  • Indoor Planting: Designing dedicated spaces for plant life, living walls, or internal courtyards that breathe life into a property.

Designing for Adaptability

A truly successful building is one that can evolve alongside its inhabitants. As our lifestyles change—whether through the rise of remote working, growing families, or shifting business models—our spaces must adapt seamlessly.

We prioritise flexible floor plans that allow spaces to serve multiple purposes. A quiet alcove can function as a morning reading nook or a mid-day study space; open-plan living areas can be cleverly zoned with pocket doors or bespoke joinery. This longevity not only reduces environmental waste but ensures that the building continues to serve its purpose for decades to come.

The Ethos

Ultimately, brilliant design should feel almost effortless. You shouldn't necessarily notice the meticulous angle of a roofline or the exact placement of a window; you should simply feel that the space works, that it is exceptionally comfortable, and that it feels like home.

Whether we are designing a contemporary bespoke new build or sensitively restoring a listed period property, our goal remains the same: to create environments that inspire, comfort, and elevate the human spirit.

Site Progress at Low Ham, Somerset

Works are ongoing to Phase 2 of a single-storey barn conversion located in Low Ham, Somerset. After undertaking renovation works last year, construction has now progressed to the new extension of the barn to create an expanded open-plan living space. It is intended that, once completed, the new annexe will be used by our client as future carer’s accommodation.

New Residential Development at Manley Farm, Tiverton, Devon

Works are currently underway at Manley Farm near Tiverton, Devon for 2 contemporary 5 bedroom dwellings with open plan ground floor living space consists of a large 2 storey entrance hall, spacious kitchen/dining area and lounge. At first floor level there is a link bridge that connects the bedroom wing to the main entrance hall area and Master Bedroom.

The external appearance of the building will consist of dark timber cladding with powder coated aluminium doors and windows and standing seam roof.

Site Progress on new extensions at Curry Rivel

Works are progressing well on a project in Curry Rivel, currently near to completion the proposals were to replace an existing uninsulated extension to the main house with a new bespoke two storey and single storey extension. The works also comprise of internal alterations to create a central circulation space with new rear entrance hall, Kitchen, Garden Room, Utility Area, Family Bathroom and Master Bedroom with En-suite.

The new Garden Room, Kitchen and Master Bedroom take advantages of view to the rear garden and surrounding countryside.

Government announce BNG Exemption on Small Sites less than 2000sqm

It has just been confirmed by the Government that small sites, less that 2,000sqm (0.2ha), will be exempt from BNG.

Biodiversity Net Gain, which requires developments in England to increase biodiversity by 10%, has been in place for less than two years.

For full details on the announcement, please see https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3r7zp418p8o

Photo by Chris Meads on Unsplash

Site Progress at West Lydford

Works are making excellent progress at the site in West Lydford, Somerset for a new single storey residential property. Initial site clearance works have been undertaken, drainage installed, foundations poured and the new block and beam floor laid.

Site Progress at Bells Cottage

Dave & Helen have been very busy at Bells Cottage moving inside and working on finishes. You can follow their progress at Bells Cottage (@backatbellscottage) • Instagram photos and videos

Site Progress at Bells Cottage

Since our last post Dave & Helen have been progressing well at Bells Cottage with the external scaffolding dropped, external render complete and now the kitchen installation underway ready for completion in the new year. You can follow their progress at Bells Cottage (@backatbellscottage) • Instagram photos and videos

Update of Renovation & Extension to Bells Cottage, Somerset

Works are making excellent progress at Bells Cottage in Somerset. The roof is currently undergoing re-slating after the bat-friendly (Bat Safe) breather membrane was successfully installed. Simultaneously, internal renovations are underway, with the development of new rooms, insulation, plastering, and the installation of underfloor heating all moving forward swiftly.

Cliff Barn, Nr North Petherton, Somerset

A barn conversion near North Petherton, Somerset is now fully completed and is currently being promoted by our client. This property features a spacious open-plan reception room connected to a kitchen, making use of the original high loft space, along with a garden room situated in the existing chicken coop. Additionally, a new first-floor section has been integrated, offering extra sleeping and bathing space.

Images by Jackson Stops

Hartrow Farm Residential Development Nearing Completion

Evan House has now been completed within the development of Hartrow Farm. Located on a split level site Evan House is located on the lower level with outstanding views of the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel. The site sits in a beautiful and unspoilt rural location on the edge of the Brendon Hills and Exmoor National Park.


North Petherton, Somerset, Barn Conversion

Work is nearing completion to convert a redundant machinery barn into a 4 bedroom property near North Petherton, Somerset.

Cossington, Somerset, New Build Dwelling

Works were completed near the end of last year on a new build house, designed to be built into the contours of the existing land with internal splits levels. The main living area being located on the lower level and bedroom accommodation on the higher. Externally a grass roof was used to reduce the impact of the new property in its surroundings.

Barn Renovation, North Petherton, Somerset

Works are progressing well on the renovation of an existing barn near North Petherton, Somerset with completion due this month. The new house consists of a large open plan, double height kitchen, lounge and entertaining space with garden room to the garden and 4 double bedrooms with en-suites.

Residential Development, Lydeard St Lawrence

Works have been progressing well on a residential development located rurally within Lydeard St Lawrence, Somerset and consisting of 5 new 4 bedroom properties.

Renovation & Extension to Bells Cottage

We were asked by Dave & Helen to obtain planning and building regulations for their renovation and extension of Bells Cottage. Works started late last year and are progressing well and Helen has created an Instagram page where the progress can be followed Bells Cottage (@backatbellscottage) • Instagram photos and videos

Building Regulations Notice of Commencement

The latest legislative changes relating to The Building Safety Act 2022 were to be published at the end of latest month with changes to be made to commencement and completion requirements.

Please see the summary of changes to commencement and completion requirements that may impact your projects. A link to the legislation can be found here - The Building Safety Act: secondary legislation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

Notice of Commencement

 

As of 1st October 2023, for applications to be considered as started for the purposes of Regulation 13(5) of The Building Regulations 2010; and Section 32 of The Building Act 1984, the works will need to have progressed to at least one of the following:

 

  1. Progressed to damp proof course level (if foundations are applicable); or

  2. 15% completion of the overall project

 

Under Regulation 16 (3C) it is now a legal requirement that within five days after the work has commenced, the person carrying out work must give notice to the Building Control Body.

 

Please note that this does not change the requirement for a valid Building Control application to be submitted to Building Control prior to any works commencing on site. The above stages are only relevant to Regulation 13(5) of The Building Regulations 2010 and Section 32 of The Building Act 1984.

 

Notice of Completion

 

A Compliance Notice will be required for ALL Projects that are subject to a Building Regulations Application upon 5 days of the completion of works. A template for this notice will be issued and sent to the applicant/agent when the acknowledgement letter is issued. We will not be able to issue a completion certificate until all relevant parties have signed this.

 

The Notice of Completion will require the following information: The name, address, telephone number and (if available) email address of the client, principal contractor, and principal designer.

 

A statement will be required from the applicant to say that the works have been completed and complies with all the applicable regulations to the best of their knowledge.

 

A statement will also be required from both the principal contractor and principal designer (if applicable) to confirm they have fulfilled their duties under Part 2A (duty holders and competence). The duties for this can be found here - The Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 (legislation.gov.uk)