Kiss Architecture Lead Owen Jones discusses getting planning consent in the Cornwall AONB!
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Meet Owen Jones
Owen is an exceptional architect with a strong track record of designing sustainable and innovative homes. He is passionate about using off-site technology and his design portfolio includes the delivery of the FAB House for Urban Splash as part of George Clarke’s design team.
Achieving planning in the AONB is difficult, tell us about how you approached this? What were the main constraints and how did you approach them?
Working in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty comes with its challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
The biggest hurdle was designing a home that blends into the landscape while respecting the local architectural character.
We achieved this by drawing inspiration from the scale and shapes of neighbouring homes and using natural materials including timber cladding and zinc roofing, which will weather beautifully over time.
By keeping the street-facing design modest, we created a high-performing home that remains discreet and hidden from the village, yet fully embraces the surrounding landscape.
What factors influenced the form and plan of the home?
Two key factors shaped the design: the village’s character and solar orientation.
We kept the original building line to maintain harmony with the village, while also maximising natural light for energy efficiency. This resulted in two distinct aspects: a low, sloped roof facing the village and a taller, more open design on the garden side.
The layout is perfect for family living, with open spaces for gathering, large windows for passive solar heating, and practical features like a “beach” entrance near the garage for easy clean-up after outdoor activities.
What were your design influences for the project and how are they seen in your design?
We’re inspired by designs that are both functional and joyful. Take Dyson products, for example—they’re efficient and playful. While this influence isn’t overt in the home’s design, we applied the same philosophy by balancing energy efficiency with a light, enjoyable living environment. Our aim was to create a home that feels innovative yet comfortable.
Did you face any challenges during the planning process? What were they and how did you approach them?
Yes, planning in an AONB is more complex due to the heightened focus on aesthetics and environmental impact. One challenge was merging the home’s contemporary features with the village’s traditional character while still prioritising sustainable, low-carbon materials.
We had to respect the village’s style without compromising on modern performance. To address this, we created visualisations showing how the home would sit naturally within its surroundings. While the design isn’t entirely traditional, it strikes a balance between blending into the village, meeting environmental goals, and being built to last.
How did design for Passivhaus and net zero? Please talk about the orientation, glazing and special features of the home.
Passivhaus and net-zero principles were fundamental to the design. We positioned the house to maximise natural sunlight, with large south-facing windows providing warmth through passive heating.
West-facing windows capture garden views and evening light, while features like overhangs and green verandas prevent overheating and enhance the connection to the outdoors. The flat roof is prepped for solar panels, and the home’s high level of insulation helps it achieve net-zero energy standards.
Do you have any advice you’d give to someone wanting to do a similar project?
Speak to us and we will help you respect the setting and work in harmony with it.
It’s also essential to focus on the orientation of the home early in the design process, as it plays a huge role in energy efficiency.
Lastly, be patient with the planning process—especially in protected areas like an AONB. It might take time, but it’s well worth the effort.
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