This new project in Newport Pembrokeshire has been a wonderful opportunity to explore an ongoing preoccupation of mine, trying to unpick, update and re-make a modern Welsh cottage.  There are some rules to follow:  A simple form.  Modest in scale (5-6m wide by 10-11m long).  Construction and material that are hard wearing and sympathetic to the elements- a good pitched roof (35-40o), low eaves & solid walls.  Shared spaces -though no longer with the cattle in the contemporary version who provided heat to the living spaces in days gone by!  Timber famed interiors with a celebration of functional aesthetics and multi purpose elements, where beams are for hanging things from as much as holding up the floor above.  The main updates are in daylighting & insulation.  Traditional cottages had small windows, shuttered against the cold when glazing was expensive and people spent almost their entire life outside.  Now we live mostly indoors it is better to bring the light and views in so large areas of glazing and good insulation is a modern concession to be embraced.  This design has the traditional pitched box and main living spaces to the front with a more sculpted roof to the rear to accommodate access, circulation and utility.  Everything opens up to the view and sunny terrace as you come through the house, not a bad way to start the morning.