The site is located within the wild borders of both West Yorkshire and Lancashire sitting deep within the Pennines, not far from the village Marsden.

This area of the Pennines is home to many tired, worn out farmhouses, sheep pans and bothies for tired trades people of the past. The character of this area can be stark in contrast, austere and unforgiving in the winter whilst the summer months bring bliss away from the bustle. Moor House sits just on the brim of a small moor valley that later meets the river Colne heading into West Yorkshire.

The brief called for a family home which was bright, spacious, and respectful of both the open moorland views and wildlife that lives there. The clients did not want a house that demanded attention, in fact, the clients wanted something that ‘sat well’, a house that matched the vernacular setting.

The plans were developed around an axis that offered prominent views to the East (down the valley) and a private side to the West. Part retaining wall to the North invites you towards the entrance. The main block contains living spaces on the ground floor with bedrooms on the first floor. To the north of the plan there is a split behind the pantry, one way leading to a pool and the other the garage. To the West on the X axis is a attached annex with a separate entrance.

The form of Moor House is a nod to traditional rural buildings dotted around the area, and refined in detail and material choice, with considered openings towards the surrounding Pennines. Each room has developed around the internal qualities looking outward. From the surrounding quarries soft hues of Yorkshire sandstone finish the building with a mixture of dark zinc and stove slating on the roof.