When actor Chris Bisson and his family found a plot in the perfect location—close to work, schools and grandparents—the initial plan was to remodel the aged bungalow already on site.
 
Early designs explored reconfiguring the interior, updating the conservatory and rationalising the series of small, historic extensions that had accumulated over decades. However, as many renovators discover, once drawings and costings took shape, the figures told a different story.
 
“We were all set to reconfigure the bungalow, but the costs kept climbing. Building a new home quickly became the more viable and exciting option,” Chris explained.
 
 
 
Designing a Modern Home Rooted in Natural Materials
 
Chris and his partner of 20 years Rowena approached McNulty Architects, an award-winning practice near Wilmslow known for contemporary architecture that uses traditional materials to create considered, beautifully crafted homes. The couple had admired founder Matt McNulty’s previous projects and were drawn to his approach: modern forms expressed through high-quality natural materials, with rigorous attention to detail.
 
From the outset, the team worked closely with the site’s rural landscape and orientation. Although the architectural form is clean and contemporary—with flat roofs, sharp lines, frameless glazing and crisp aluminium detailing—the goal was always to avoid an overly urban aesthetic. Achieving this balance required a materials palette that offered texture, warmth and subtle variation.
 

 
 
 
 The interiors continue the same refined, contemporary language established outside.
The principal aim was to create a sense of light and space.  So there are fewer but more spacious bedrooms, open plan living spaces and vaulted ceilings, which all add to the airy feeling.
 
The main living space forms the heart of the home, anchored by a sleek black kitchen and a pared-back palette that allows the view to take centre stage. A full wall of glazing opens the room to the garden, flooding the space with natural light.
 
 

 
 
In the entrance, finely detailed timber panelling creates a warm, practical zone for everyday life, offering hidden storage for coats and shoes while maintaining a clean aesthetic. A minimal, sculptural metal staircase paired with a statement light fitting provides a striking focal point without overwhelming the space, while the bathrooms are designed with a calm, sophisticated luxury that complements the home’s overall modern feel.
 

 
 
This thinking led directly to the decision to pair Imperial’s Reclamation Cheshire brick with Lime Green’s Natural Lime Mortar, a combination that would deliver both the precision Chris wanted and the natural softness needed to help the home settle into its countryside setting.
 
Why Lime Mortar Was Central to the Vision
 
More than 16 tonnes of Lime Green Natural Lime Mortar were used in the build. The chosen Corfton colour—a sandy green-grey tone—complements the reclaimed brick beautifully, while the medium strength and RG texture provided the right balance of durability, breathability and aesthetic refinement.
 
Lime Green’s Natural Lime Mortar is designed for both modern and heritage applications. Its key advantages include permeability, flexibility and the ability to age naturally with the building. These qualities were especially valuable for this project, which used reclaimed brick with natural variations in tone and density.
 
Unlike cement-based mortars, which can trap moisture and create long-term issues, lime mortar allows the building to breathe. This helps regulate moisture within the wall and contributes to the long-term health of the structure.
 
Sharp Lines and Strong Character
 
Chris and the build team made a deliberate choice to use the mortar to create crisp joint definition.
 
“We wanted the house to look sharp from a distance, so we raked out the mortar joints to define each brick,” said Chris.

“Using the lime mortar this way gives every brick its own presence. You can pick out each one, and that really shapes the character of the façade.”
 

 
To achieve this effect, the team used a traditional chariot to rake out the joints, creating shadow lines that emphasise the brick edges. It’s a technique that benefits greatly from the workable nature of lime mortar, which allows more time for careful finishing compared to cement.
 
Up close, the texture of the mortar adds another layer of interest. The RG grit level introduces a subtle grain that catches the light and enhances the depth of the brickwork.
 
“I didn’t appreciate how much lime mortar contributes to how a building looks until this project,” Chris said.

“Once you know what you’re looking at, you start to notice that many of the buildings you admire are built with lime.”
 
Working with Lime on Site
 
Building with lime brings a different rhythm to the construction process. Lime takes slightly longer to cure, but this extended working time allowed the team to refine the joints and achieve the level of detail Chris envisioned.
 
Chris, who was hands-on throughout the project, embraced this slower, more considered approach. Monitoring curing times became especially important during colder spells. As winter set in, the team sought advice from Lime Green on best practice for protecting freshly laid mortar.
 
“We worked through some very cold days, so Lime Green’s advice was crucial,” Chris explained.

“Wrapping the brickwork with hessian at night protected the lime mortar from frost. It made a huge difference to the final finish.”
 
 
The careful handling during curing played a key role in achieving the crisp, uniform appearance that defines the home’s exterior.
 
Enhancing the Material Palette
 
The success of the project lies not only in the architecture but also in how the materials work together. The lime mortar’s natural tone softens the building’s modern geometry, creating a harmonious contrast with the frameless glazing, metal trims and timber cladding.
 
As the seasons change, the lime mortar will continue to mature, developing subtle tonal variations that add to the home’s evolving character—a quality cement mortars cannot replicate.
 
 

 
“The brickwork, the mortar, the glazing and the cladding all work together exactly as we hoped,” said Chris.

“It’s a modern home, but the lime mortar gives it warmth and texture. It feels grounded.”
 
Support from Lime Green Products
 
Based in Shropshire, Lime Green Products have been producing lime mortars, plasters and renders since 2002. Their products have been used widely across the UK, from modern new builds to high-profile heritage sites including the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
 
Throughout the build, the company provided advice on colour selection, grit levels and best practice for winter laying—support that Chris credits with helping achieve the final look.
 
“Their technical guidance was brilliant,” he said.

“The lime mortar is a big part of why the house looks the way it does. It’s exactly what we wanted.”
 
A Forever Home Crafted with Care
 
The completed home brings together contemporary design and traditional craft in a way that feels both precise and welcoming. Lime mortar played a central role in achieving this balance, offering visual softness, structural breathability and long-term durability.
 
 
It is, as Chris describes it, his forever home - shaped by characterful materials and designed with family at its core. Completing the picture is the seal of approval from the couple’s two children, Harry and Ella, who are loving their new space.