Birch Grove

Location: Buckinghamshire

Brick Manufacturers: Northcot Brick

Brick Names: Battersea Blend

Architect: Ibbotson Architects

Brickwork Contractor: Rosguill Developments

Birch Grove in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, is a sustainable development from Millbank Homes, comprising three contemporary houses and a garage barn adjacent to Ancient Woodland in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Green Belt.

Previously a smallholding with over 20 derelict farm buildings, the site’s protected status had prevented any development beyond agricultural use unless 'Very Special Circumstances' were demonstrated.

Holistic sustainable design

Ibbotson Architects secured approval for a holistic sustainable approach, which integrated green infrastructure, habitat restoration, and rewilding with biophilic design principles that followed agricultural typology and used sympathetic materials. A fabric-first approach, combined with renewable technologies, achieved near Passivhaus standards.

Low-impact building and materials

Working with contractor Rosguill Developments, the derelict buildings were removed, and the design and construction of three unique houses - Yarrow, Campion, and Blackthorn - followed the geometry of former agricultural structures.

Traditional materials were sourced locally in accordance with the Chiltern Design Guide including stainless steel cladding for the replicated silos, corrugated iron, slatted timber, and knapped flint.

Pre-existing brick buildings were constructed using handmade bricks in a bespoke blend originally manufactured by Northcot Brick for the restoration of Battersea Power Station.

Their sanded texture had irregular characteristics with colour variations ranging from red/ brown to pink/brown, yellow, dark red/grey, and light grey with brown clinker speckling (with a core of bright pink‐orange). They were laid in a burnt header Flemish bond, a traditional Chilterns vernacular.

Net Zero Carbon and Energy Efficiency

Each home achieves an EPC Rating A (SAP scores 100+) and operates as fully net zero.

The design optimised solar gain, and the fabric-first approach incorporated high insulation levels, energy-efficient glazing and airtightness approaching Passivhaus standards.

The integration of renewable energy sources and advanced technologies minimised its environmental impact. Each house featured roof-integrated solar panels, batteries, hybrid inverters, air source heat pumps, and ‘Mixergy’ smart water heating systems. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery systems further enhanced energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Low-energy LED lighting was utilised throughout, along with sustainable drainage systems and provisions for electric vehicle parking, to encourage eco-conscious living.

Connection to nature through Biophilic design

The principles of ‘Building with Nature’ and biophilic design were integral to the harmonious coexistence between buildings and nature.

Landscaped courtyards/atria brought nature into living spaces. Substantial picture windows maximised views of the landscape and sliding glass walls blurred boundaries between indoors and outdoors, creating flexible, light-filled wellbeing-enhancing areas.

Utilising natural materials, shapes, colours, textures, and patterns evoked a physical and emotional sensation akin to being in nature.

Sensitive land use and biodiversity

The removal of 60% of the derelict buildings enhanced the openness critical to 'Improvement of the Green Belt' and 'Conserving and Enhancing the Scenic Beauty' of the AONB.

Significant decontamination and extensive rewilding, which involved planting native woodlands and wildflower meadows, maximised biodiversity and ensured a seamless transition into the adjacent ancient woodland.

Rewilding complied with all 12 ‘Building with Nature’ Standards, and an overall Biodiversity Net Gain of 227% was achieved.