This proposal for the redevelopment of Hollowell Farm explores how a carefully considered design approach can transform a working rural site into a coherent mix of industrial and residential uses. The scheme sets out a concept for replacement B8 and B2 buildings alongside the conversion of three existing buildings, including one residential dwelling and two B2 units.
Rather than imposing a rigid layout, the design responds directly to the site’s characteristics, using the steeply sloping site to inform building placement and create a more efficient and natural arrangement of spaces.
Key Details
- Location: Northampton
- Client: Private developer
- Service: Architecture
- Sector: Commercial, Industrial and Logistics / Agriculture and Rural
- RIBA stage: 0-3
- Marrons Team: Tom Macklen
Design shaped by topography
The scheme has been carefully designed to make best use of the steeply sloping site, allowing buildings to step with the land and minimise the need for extensive regrading or retaining structures.
This approach ensures that development is both practical and sensitive, creating usable external areas while reducing visual impact within the landscape. The natural contours of the site help define the spatial arrangement, giving each building a clear relationship to its surroundings.
A contemporary farmstead approach
The buildings are arranged using a ‘farmstead’ approach, reflecting the organic pattern of traditional rural developments. This creates a series of loosely grouped structures that form a clear and legible environment, while avoiding a uniform or overly engineered layout.
The architecture draws from the local context, with simple building forms, pitched roofs and a restrained material palette. This detailing ensures the development feels rooted in its setting, creating continuity between new and converted buildings.
Our role
We have been appointed to prepare the concept design and planning application, shaping both the overall layout and architectural response. Our role focuses on creating a scheme that responds to the site’s constraints, reflects its rural context and delivers a practical, high-quality outcome.
