Chapel House
Chapel House is a quiet statement of how architecture can be both grounded and visionary. Located within the New Forest National Park, this replacement dwelling responds with sensitivity to its protected setting, drawing inspiration from the agricultural vernacular while meeting the evolving needs of its occupants.
“ The goal of architecture is to create a sense of place, not merely to build structures” Moshe Safdie
Project Info
- Location: New Forest National Park
- Cost: £1.8 million
- Designation: Conservation Area, New Forest National Park
- Collaborators: Draycotts, Bombas Ecology
- Image Credit: PAD studio
Environmental Data
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Energy Efficiency
1 2 3 4 5 6
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Insulation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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Thermal Mass
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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Airtightness
1 2 3 4 5 6
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Solar PV
1 2 3 4 5
- Heating/Hot Water
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Solar Thermal
Yes No
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Rain Water Harvest
Yes No
- Ventilation
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Energy Storage
Yes No
Designed with deep respect for both place and planet, Chapel House is a low-impact, energy-efficient home that champions sustainable living and low-embodied carbon construction. Its form and materials echo the barns and outbuildings of the local landscape, blending natural textures with breathable, locally sourced materials that age gracefully and tread lightly on the environment.
Inside, natural materials bring warmth and texture; from clay plaster walls that breathe and soften the light, to exposed timber detailing that echoes the surrounding woodland. A large picture window frames views across the field and into the New Forest beyond, grounding the home in its landscape and offering a moment of quiet connection with nature.
The garden, designed by PAD studio, is layered and immersive, with pockets of space to enjoy throughout the day. Planting is inspired by the forest edge - full of grasses, textured foliage, and seasonal variation - and has been carefully considered to dramatically improve the site’s Biodiversity Net Gain. The adjacent field, formerly used for equestrian grazing, will be transformed into a biodiverse meadow, with spoil from construction spread and reused on site to minimise environmental impact.
This is a lifetime home that sits lightly on the land, respecting the ecological richness of the New Forest and contributing to a sustainable future.
Chapel House is more than a residence. It is a quiet statement of how architecture can be both rooted and responsive, beautiful and functional, traditional and forward-looking.
