Our involvement in this project was sought when the local planning authority expressed their dissatisfaction with the client's proposals for his new house. Without altering the floor plans we redesigned the exterior of the house whilst retaining the client's aims of constructing a home which captures passive energy and is highly sustainable. Insulation levels are significantly higher than current building regulations require and large glazed voids on the south elevation capture solar gain, whilst glazing on other elevations is restricted to minimise heat loss. The house although timber framed was designed with stone outer facing and a red tiled roof on steep pitches to reflect the local vernacular.