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TYPE:
RESIDENTIAL
YEAR:
2022
STATUS:
COMPLETE
CONSTRUCTION
SIPS
The
Roost
TYPE:
RESIDENTIAL
YEAR:
2022
CONSTRUCTION:
SIPS
STATUS:
COMPLETE
The vision
Our clients wanted something extraordinary: a home that celebrated its rural setting, connected with nature, supported wildlife, and delivered genuine sustainability. They dreamed of a house that would sit lightly in the landscape, combining modern design with ecological responsibility.
The vision
Our clients wanted something extraordinary: a home that celebrated its rural setting, connected with nature, supported wildlife, and delivered genuine sustainability. They dreamed of a house that would sit lightly in the landscape, combining modern design with ecological responsibility.
The challenge
The starting point? A derelict stable in the Staffordshire Moorlands, deep in the green belt, with strict planning rules and a council reluctant to approve anything contemporary. On paper, it was more “impossible” than “potential.”
The journey
We knew this project would take strategy and persistence. Together with our clients, we developed a design that placed ecology at its heart — a living roof, rainwater ponds, and spaces for wildlife — while making the case for modern sustainability in a protected landscape. We worked closely with consultants, built the argument for planners, and refined the scheme without ever losing sight of the vision.
The result
The Roost is now a pioneering eco-home that delivers on every part of the brief: soaring views, light-filled interiors, and sustainability built into its very fabric. It proves that even in the toughest planning environments, a bold vision and careful problem-solving can produce a home that’s modern, ecological, and deeply connected to place.
Sustainability at The Roost
Living roof → habitat creation and natural insulation
Living roof → habitat creation and natural insulation
Rainwater ponds → supporting biodiversity and reducing run-off
Rainwater ponds → supporting biodiversity and reducing run-off
MVHR system → energy efficiency and year-round comfort
MVHR system → energy efficiency and year-round comfort
SIPs construction → airtight fabric with low energy demand
SIPs construction → airtight fabric with low energy demand
Large-format glazing → natural light and passive solar gain
Large-format glazing → natural light and passive solar gain
Hear from the client
"We began working with Arkhi in 2016, when we acquired some near-derelict 1960’s stables, and hoped to get planning permission to convert them to an environmentally sensitive house – in terms of energy efficiency, enhancing wildlife habitat and visually in our beautiful greenbelt location.
Arkhi took time to work with us and understand how we wanted to live in our new home (a marked difference from our previous 17 th century house) and to ensure the design would meet our immediate as well as future needs as a home for us, and also for wildlife, whilst also meeting the realities of planning constraints for a green-belt conversion. The design phase was very collaborative, with Arkhi encouraging a lot of contribution from us, and adapting their initial ideas to incorporate our preferences (as well as planner’s foibles).
The resulting design is everything we could have hoped for and more - constructed on time, and on budget, despite the pandemic, Suez canal blockage and Brexit! We now have a light, warm, super energy-efficient house, which has also increased wildlife habitat and looks beautiful. Everything a new home should be."
Inspired by The Roost?
Every project starts with a conversation. If you’ve got a vision, big or small, we’d love to help you bring it to life.
More to explore
The Roost
The challenge
The starting point? A derelict stable in the Staffordshire Moorlands, deep in the green belt, with strict planning rules and a council reluctant to approve anything contemporary. On paper, it was more “impossible” than “potential.”
The journey
We knew this project would take strategy and persistence. Together with our clients, we developed a design that placed ecology at its heart — a living roof, rainwater ponds, and spaces for wildlife — while making the case for modern sustainability in a protected landscape. We worked closely with consultants, built the argument for planners, and refined the scheme without ever losing sight of the vision.
The result
The Roost is now a pioneering eco-home that delivers on every part of the brief: soaring views, light-filled interiors, and sustainability built into its very fabric. It proves that even in the toughest planning environments, a bold vision and careful problem-solving can produce a home that’s modern, ecological, and deeply connected to place.
Hear from the client
Sustainability at The Roost
SIPs construction → airtight, highly insulated fabric
SIPs construction → airtight, highly insulated fabric
MVHR system → fresh air, minimal heat loss
MVHR system → fresh air, minimal heat loss
GSHP + UFH → efficient heating throughout.
GSHP + UFH → efficient heating throughout.
High ceilings + glazing → natural light and passive solar gain
High ceilings + glazing → natural light and passive solar gain
Locally inspired brickwork → sustainable materials tied to place
Locally inspired brickwork → sustainable materials tied to place
We began working with Arkhi in 2016, when we acquired some near-derelict 1960’s stables, and hoped to get planning permission to convert them to an environmentally sensitive house – in terms of energy efficiency, enhancing wildlife habitat and visually in our beautiful greenbelt location.
Arkhi took time to work with us and understand how we wanted to live in our new home (a marked difference from our previous 17 th century house) and to ensure the design would meet our immediate as well as future needs as a home for us, and also for wildlife, whilst also meeting the realities of planning constraints for a green-belt conversion. The design phase was very collaborative, with Arkhi encouraging a lot of contribution from us, and adapting their initial ideas to incorporate our preferences (as well as planner’s foibles).
The resulting design is everything we could have hoped for and more - constructed on time, and on budget, despite the pandemic, Suez canal blockage and Brexit! We now have a light, warm, super energy-efficient house, which has also increased wildlife habitat and looks beautiful. Everything a new home should be.
Inspired by The Roost?
Every project starts with a conversation. If you’ve got a vision, big or small, we’d love to help you bring it to life.
More to explore
Let's Chat
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20 George Street, Alderley Edge, SK9 7EJ
20 George Street, Alderley Edge, SK9 7EJ
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