Burley Grange is located on a highly prominent site within the Green belt, to the north west of Derby. The building replaces a dilapidated farm complex site with unsightly outbuildings, and works with the landscape to fully maximise panoramic views across the local countryside. Whilst Derbyshire does not have a deep- rooted locally specific vernacular form of architecture, there are fine examples of traditional building in the area, ranging from Kedleston Hall and estate, to stone and red brick farmhouses and village houses. The design of the new house refers to this tradition whilst offering accommodation highly suitable to modern living.
The design utilises the butterfly plan as opposed to a more rigid, symmetrical layout, In order to harmonise with the topography and orientation of the site. The butterfly plan gained great popularity in country house design from 1870 to 1920 and was most associated with the Arts and Crafts movement in architecture. Its use at Burley Grange ensures light, and open rooms of character and adaptability, often with triple or double aspects to provide both views and sunlight. Externally, the plan has the ability to follow the site contours and introduce different floor levels. In turn, it creates variety in roofscape and silhouette and permits varying elevational styles, reducing any impression of bulk and creating a greater sense of informality.
The plan form also allows for the creation of a building that appears to have evolved and adapted over time. The rationale behind the elevations is a central stone tower, possibly a hunting box or viewpoint for the estate, to which further structures have been added over time. This acts as a central circulation core from which various spatial functions radiate. Within the arms of the radiating wings are a number of outside rooms, closely associated with the adjacent internal spaces and which provide a choice of outside sitting areas according to the time of the day and weather conditions. Beyond, are wider and less structured garden areas that in turn lead the eye out to the open countryside.
