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The upper deck at Mossie, a Para 80, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.
Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.
Driveway up to Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.
The upper deck at Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.

Paragraph 84 (Para 84)

Mossie

This exceptional Paragraph 84 dwelling celebrates the historic role the area played during WWII as a base for “The Wooden Wonder”, the DeHavilland Mosquito.

A unique opportunity

Hawkes Architecture's 27th Paragraph 84 consent

On 21st November 2022 the Planning Inspectorate allowed our appeal against the refusal by South Cambs D.C. for an exceptional new Paragraph 84 home on a quirky site which once formed part of RAF Castle Camps WWII air base from which the deHavilland Mosquito was built and flown.

In 1942 the Mosquitos started to assemble here in great secrecy for test flying. On March 9th 1942, the first two operational Mosquitos arrived at Castle Camps. In July 1943 Castle Camps became a satellite of North Weald and the Mosquito began to be used for intruder operations, and then they developed it for bomber support operations.

Mosquitos left Castle Camps in October 1943.

The base closed in January 1946.

Today the site, one of the highest points in Cambridgeshire, shows almost no sign of the extensive infrastructure that transformed this landscape during the war.

It’s a part of history that ought to be marked & celebrated, a sentiment held by locals who fully supported the proposals.

The appeal decision covers some interesting issues relating to various aspects of the paragraph 84 policy. APP/W0530/W/22/3302832

Homage

Former RAF Base

The deHavilland Mosquito was a unique aircraft in that its fuselage was constructed from timber & the structural integrity was provided to each half from a plywood exterior lining. Building a plane from timber enabled the skills of carpenters, piano & furniture makers to be deployed to assist the war effort.


The De Havilland Mosquito was quick to build, fast in the air, cost effective to make and easy to repair. It played a crucial role in the war effort.

Our proposals are located along a small remaining part of the original airbase access track which used to lead to one of the original machine sheds that until recently occupied the open part of this compact site.

The constraints of a narrow 6m wide site presented an exciting opportunity to design a unique property which could celebrate this unique aircraft through nods to its unique construction & form.

An old machine shed is inspiration for Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.
WWII aircraft workers give inspiration for Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.
WWII aircraft workers give inspiration for Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.
WWII aircraft spitfire give inspiration for Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.
WWII aircraft spitfire give inspiration for Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.

The deHavilland Mosquito was a unique aircraft in that its fuselage was constructed from timber & the structural integrity was provided to each half from a plywood exterior lining. Building a plane from timber enabled the skills of carpenters, piano & furniture makers to be deployed to assist the war effort.


The De Havilland Mosquito was quick to build, fast in the air, cost effective to make and easy to repair. It played a crucial role in the war effort.

Our proposals are located along a small remaining part of the original airbase access track which used to lead to one of the original machine sheds that until recently occupied the open part of this compact site.

The constraints of a narrow 6m wide site presented an exciting opportunity to design a unique property which could celebrate this unique aircraft through nods to its unique construction & form.

Drawing

Isometric View

A technical drawing of Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.

Plan Drawing

North Section

North elevation of Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.

Technical Drawing

South Section

South elevation of Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.

Inspiration

The AirFix Kit House

Two fuselage sections are bolted onto more regular forms which pivot around a central circulation & viewing tower which provides top light & passive summer ventilation as well as access to the roof for recreation and maintenance.


The fuselage sections contain storage furniture & services in much the same way as the original aircraft. A flexible internal arrangement of split level spaces combine to providing 200m2 of living accommodation for a young professional couple or small family in a quiet, open rural setting close to Cambridge.

Airfix kit showing Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.

Two fuselage sections are bolted onto more regular forms which pivot around a central circulation & viewing tower which provides top light & passive summer ventilation as well as access to the roof for recreation and maintenance.


The fuselage sections contain storage furniture & services in much the same way as the original aircraft. A flexible internal arrangement of split level spaces combine to providing 200m2 of living accommodation for a young professional couple or small family in a quiet, open rural setting close to Cambridge.

Key Features

Central Circulation Core

The central core is the key circulation point of the building and negotiates the difference between the two angled side of the building.

Central circulation core showing the lift and staircase at Mossie, a Para 84, energy efficient passive house, hidden in the landscape. Another grand design by Hawkes Architecture.

The central core is the key circulation point of the building and negotiates the difference between the two angled side of the building.

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Our particular project has faced testing challenges and constraints but the Hawkes team has met them all with innovation and flair whether technical issues or the complex world of planning policy.

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