Set within a six-acre plot in the Oxfordshire green belt, this project replaces an outdated bungalow and former barn with a light, modern and spacious home designed for family life. The new building echoes the form of the structures it replaced, using a combination of traditional materials and extensive glazing to create a home that is both contemporary in function and respectful of its rural setting.
The primary challenge of this project was navigating the stringent planning requirements associated with building in the green belt. Gaining approval for a replacement dwelling required a design that was sensitive to its surroundings and did not overwhelm the landscape. Our solution was to create a new home that echoes the footprint and pitched-roof form of the original buildings, maintaining a sense of continuity with the site’s history.
Architecturally, the home is designed to convey a sense of natural evolution. Rather than creating a single, monolithic structure, the design employs a combination of brick and timber cladding. This approach gives the impression of a core brick building that has been extended over time with lighter, timber-clad additions, a common feature of local farmsteads. This thoughtful use of materials helps to break down the visual mass of the property, allowing it to sit more comfortably within its setting.
A key part of the design strategy was the thoughtful use of glazing. Large glass panels and openings not only flood the interior with natural light but also play a crucial role in reducing the building’s perceived scale from the outside. By creating a sense of transparency, the home feels more connected to its expansive gardens and less imposing on the landscape, a detail that was instrumental in fulfilling the planning criteria.
Contemporary Classics
Architecture
Buckinghamshire
In-Construction