Cubis Bruton
landhouse 1

Title: Cubis Bruton
landhouse 1

Location: Bruton, Somerset, UK

Client: Joint Venture

Date: 2011 to 2020

Landhouse Bruton renamed Cubis Bruton, is a response to the national need for new housing in that the impetus for this development came from the community itself. Aware that Somerset County Council was required to build 100 houses in the area, The Bruton Trust, whose aim is to encourage a high standard of architecture as well as maintaining or improving local features of historic interest, approached Mark Merer at Landhouse for a design. The criteria for the plan was first that it should be creative; Site specific using contemporary construction techniques creating energy efficient housing. with low running costs.

In 2005, when Mark Merer was based in Bruton, the Town Council and Bruton Trust approached Mark  to collaborate on a town plan for Bruton. The objective was to identify potential sites for development that would meet the housing obligations of the town.
After thorough discussions, it was agreed that the land at Marksdanes could be a suitable location for allocated housing. This decision was supported by both the landowners and the District Council, who recognized its potential for residential development.

The thought processes for the development began with the creation of a Network,  Using that as a key the fabric, ecology, geology, history and landform were meticulously recorded. The Bruton Atlas, compiled by photographer Louis Porter, provided a visual vocabulary of the town covering all its external aspects from walls to doorknockers, signs to roofs and colour study.

The site lies on the northern edge of Bruton within a short walking distance of the town and so will become a link to the surrounding countryside through common green spaces and footpaths: ecological corridors provide for wildlife. The houses sit lightly on the townscape and because the land slopes to the south the varied roofscape will appear as a landscape element within the area. Green and gravel roofs blend the roofscape into the landform like the geological outcrops that inspired them.

In pursuing the realisation of this project, we were advised by the council and representatives of the landowners that collaboration with an established developer would be necessary to realize the project. Based on recommendations, we partnered with Acorn Property Group, who, at the time, operated out of Cornwall and London and were establishing an new office in Bristol. Landhouse entered into an agreement, contract with Acorn Property Group to progress the development.

As part of this process, Landhouse initiated an extensive period of research to understand the community’s aspirations while conducting visual studies. A team of artists gathered visual data to inform the design of the buildings and landscape, ensuring they reflected the unique character of the area. This comprehensive research contributed significantly to the planning application. The project received full planning permission, with minimal Section 106 obligations, which are typically associated with developments of this scale.

Following the grant of planning permission, the developer assumed control of the project. The challenges that emerged thereafter highlight some of the systemic issues contributing to the broader housing crisis. The project encountered significant difficulties, including financial challenges faced by the developer, which led to compromised designs and disruptions to the construction process. The contractor went into liquidation, and this, combined with issues surrounding payments, resulted in delays and challenges to completing the development as envisioned. Furthermore, commitments such as the affordable housing obligation were renegotiated.

Ultimately, the company established to undertake the development entered administration. Acorn Property Group, having previously transferred the project and its assets to a new Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), raising concerns about obligations and breaches of contract to Landhouse. As a result, Landhouse is now pursuing legal action against Acorn Property Group and its directors.