The main body of Ruperra House has been composed into a series of strata set into the natural lie of the land. The layered composition animates the facades and reduces the visual mass which, owing to the undulating nature of this rural area, is never fully visible. The dwelling’s external materials have been chosen to complement the natural surroundings in colour and texture and set the house into the background of the valley side. Discrete application of rainwater harvesting, improved insulation, a biomass boiler, passive solar gain and shading systems improved the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of the dwelling. Efficient design enabled additional accommodation to be created in an area previously given over to unused roof void.

Prudent use of what could be retained was been combined with high performance materials and construction techniques. A scalpel not bulldozer approach.