Rookery Farm is a late 16th Century traditional Suffolk long house with an exposed timber frame internally.  The proposals take inspiration from a typical Suffolk “Back House” being simple in form with a chimney at the gable end.  Traditional materials were used, such as pantile and oak boarding, but with a modern twist.  Large openings of glass puncture the building between the exposed green oak frame, allowing the gardens and ponds to the south to become part of the interior/exterior space.  The interior is modern with raised cord trusses, formed with stainless steel wire ties and oak struts. When first looking at the building the detailing seems simple, however the green oak frame is restrained by stainless steel flitches, to ensure the minimal tolerances permitted within the sliding glass panels are not compromised.  The glass panels also disappear into pockets formed within the wall structure.  The building is highly insulated achieving u-values way below that required by the current building regulations.

A high degree of technology is used within the building, with concealed electric blinds, lighting control, heating control all of which can be operated remotely if required.

The original small kitchen, housed in a 20th Century extension to the house, has been removed and now provides a small children’s study, enclosed boat room together with cloak and laundry facilities, all neatly tucked away.