The Rocket Shed had already been converted to a house when Acorus were asked to look at extending it. The previous conversion, limited by restrictions on the original proposals, had resulted in very low ceilings, tiny upstairs rooms and hardly any natural daylight, with a conservatory that was unusable for much of the year. The space inside was tight, with limited headroom, few facilities and little connection to the outside.
The client approached Acorus with the aim of replacing this existing dwelling with a modern design that would address the limitations of the current house on the site. In planning terms, the basis of a replacement dwelling is generally accepted, as the principle of a dwelling is already established, but particular consideration was needed due to the site’s location within the Dunwich Conservation Area. As with any replacement dwelling, the success of the proposal depended heavily on the quality and suitability of the design. The focus from the outset was therefore on producing an acceptable, sensitive and well-integrated scheme for the site and its setting. Subject to minor amendments during the process, the application was found to be acceptable and, despite the location and site constraints, achieved a smooth route to approval.
Our clients wanted more space for a growing family and for entertaining, while still enjoying outdoor life and their involvement with forestry and woodwork. The site remained restricted—on the fringe of the historic settlement, in a prominent position up the hill, facing the monastery—so any proposal needed to be sensitive while meeting their aspirations.
From a planning officers perspective, the property was an unlisted detached dwelling within the Dunwich Conservation Area, but it was not identified as historical or as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset, despite its previous association as a ‘Rocket Shed’. The Design and Conservation Officer was satisfied with the principle of its replacement. As the site was within Dunwich and inside the settlement boundaries, a replacement dwelling was acceptable provided it did not cause adverse visual harm.
Our planning consultant then helped shape the strategy for a contemporary replacement dwelling that responded to both policy and context. Their assessment emphasised that the existing building offered limited architectural or historic value, and that a well-considered new dwelling could enhance the site’s contribution to the conservation area. They supported a design-led approach, demonstrating that the proposal would sit comfortably within the landscape, respect heritage sensitivities and avoid harmful impacts on neighbouring properties. This ensured that the application addressed key national and local planning requirements, giving the proposal a clear, robust planning justification.
The idea of replacing the existing building with something more modern emerged early in the design process. The proposed design was a contemporary replacement one-and-a-half-storey dwelling with a single-bay garage. Although different from the more traditional Dunwich properties along the High Street, its location—set away from the historic core and outside any defined pattern of development—meant that a contemporary approach could be supported. Its slight setback from the street scene, along with limited visibility on approach to the village, ensured it would not cause adverse visual harm. Minor fenestration revisions were made, and the materials were ultimately considered acceptable.
To meet the family’s needs while minimising the building’s impact, the ground floor was cut into the hillside to accommodate bedrooms and bathrooms, allowing the overall volume to remain modest. Living space was placed upstairs, where a zinc mono-pitched roof and clerestory windows facing the bay and sea provide dramatic, light-filled rooms while keeping the total height low. This roof form reflects the terrain and allows ancillary spaces to be tucked away from key views. Timber cladding ties the new house to its woodland edge location and reflects the client’s interest in forestry, while the brick garage acts as a reminder of the original Rocket house. A first-floor terrace connects to the high-level garden, creating outdoor space without overlooking neighbours.
The planning officer concluded that the proposal would not harm nearby listed buildings, the Dunwich Conservation Area, or the setting of any nearby heritage assets. It was considered compliant with both national and local planning policies, with no concerns arising regarding residential amenity or highway safety, and was therefore recommended for approval. The planning consultant’s involvement ensured that all these considerations were clearly addressed and evidenced throughout the application process.
As well as the design, Acorus produced detailed drawings to demonstrate compliance with building regulations—the rules that ensure any new home is safe to live in, energy-efficient, accessible and environmentally responsible. Using these drawings, Duncan and Son (Southwold) Ltd were appointed to carry out the works, with Acorus administering the contract to ensure that both client and builder clearly understood the scope, cost and programme.
The new Rocket House has been carefully designed to meet the needs of a growing family while fitting comfortably within its sensitive and important setting, supported by a clear planning strategy and a collaborative approach between designers, consultants and the local authority.
