The Apple House is a materially innovative education and wellbeing hub set within a once neglected orchard.

The building combines an innovative glulam structural frame with hempcrete, local materials and craftsmanship. Floors are made of unfired local clay and cladding in cleft oak harvested locally to the site. Large openings connect multifunctional spaces to the surrounding landscape on multiple axes, framing a woodland to the south, a vegetable garden to the east and extensive plant library to the west.

A year-round community programme provides professional and public participation in horticulture and environmental stewardship, including to local schools, youth groups, mental health charities, residents and designers. The project was designed by Ben Stuart-Smith as part of the community interest company Okra, which he co-founded and specialises in architecture for community and public benefit.