New custom build houses on a World Heritage Site Gateway in Cornwall, the UK government's largest custom build pilot project.

In 1998, after nearly 700 years industry, the last tin mine in West Cornwall was closed. Today Robinson's Shaft in Pool has been redeveloped into Heartlands, a new park and cultural centre surrounded by mixed tenure housing. 54 custom build plots are being developed by sustainable developers Igloo, allowing homeowners to select their preferred plot and choose and customise a house design.

Following an open design competition in 2015 our littleBIG house was selected as one of the custom build housing models for Heartlands.

We think a generosity of space is essential, so every littleBIG house includes a double-height space. By working with local craftspeople and using locally available materials we are able to deliver littleBIG houses at a similar cost per/sqm as nearby new build houses but with more volume and more design choices for buyers.

On Plot 1, a young family have customised their littleBIG house to create a 3 storey, 4 bedroom, house with a barrel topped bedroom and roof terrace overlooking the park.

They chose to have their BIG space at the centre of the house, providing natural light to the kitchen at the centre of the plan. The first floor guest room opens onto a BIG landing, an unofficial play room.

On Plot 5, a downsizing couple have customised their littleBIG house to create a 2 storey, 2 bed house providing a generous bedroom for themselves and a spare room with ensuite for guests and lets.

Working with Cathedral Builders, local contractors with a reputation for high quality bespoke houses in Cornwall, we have delivered the first two homes at Heartlands with more plots to follow.

Awards

• Housing Design Awards: Custom Build Award 2016 - Heartlands / HTA