Project Information:

This proposal is located in the idyllic village of Great Shelford and consists of a five bed family home, two storeys in height, with a striking form that frames views into the verdant site surrounding it.

The volume is nestled away to the rear of the site and is accessed via an arboriculturally sensitive gravel driveway that weaves its way through the trees. This siting allows the building to hide away behind the existing, retained trees on the site whilst also responding to the existing built form layout presented by its neighbouring properties and existing outbuildings currently occupying this portion of the site.

Our choice of materials, such as buff brick and timber cladding makes reference to materiality found in the local area. The delicate application of timber allows this proposal to seamlessly blend into its surrounding trees and retain the woodland character of this site. More contemporary elements such as the standing seam cladding and projecting volumes tie the proposal into its modern design context.

The dwelling features generous living spaces that are well lit with floor-to-ceiling glazing, opening the house out to the garden and creating a fluid relationship between the internal and external spaces. Large windows provide ample daylight as well as externally reflecting the surrounding trees, further blending the building into the site.

We have adopted a ‘broken-up’ massing approach by creating projecting elements, a playful use of materiality, and an innovative use of levels and topography treatment. A full height curtain wall and glass roof bisect the volume and provide a captivating backdrop to the double-height entrance hall which frames the users approach.