Prewett Bizley Architects

We received planning permission this week for a new house on a small infill site in the Somerset village of Evercreech. Located in the middle of the conservation area, the house will replace a disused mechanic's workshop. Work is due to start on site in November. In our work we often extend the roof out beyond the building envelope to create sheltered outdoor spaces, 'intermediate territories' between inside and outside that blur the distinction between the house and the landscape.

Perhaps the most radical aspect of the landscape is the way food production takes centre stage, subverting the traditional hierarchies of the country estate. Once the owner of a country house might have demonstrated their taste and learning through references to classical mythology and architecture, but here they are showing it through the provenance of the food they grow.

Showing off the exotic fruits grown on their estates was often part of a land-owner's repertoire but it happened backstage in the walled garden.