Branwyn House: The Design Journey
Branwyn House has recently received planning approval, marking a significant step forward for a design developed to accommodate multiple generations under one roof. Situated on the edge of the city, where the urban structure gives way to open landscape, the house proposes a contemporary architectural response that brings together space, nature, and adaptability. Rooted in the principles of Japanese design, the project combines materiality, proportion, and connection to place.
The site posed several early design challenges — a steep gradient, close proximity to neighbouring properties, and an extensive spatial layout. Rather than level or resist the terrain, the design uses the site’s topography to its advantage, embedding the house into the slope through a series of level changes that support views, daylight hours, and privacy.
Developed for multigenerational living, the proposal includes nine bedrooms and a diverse arrangement of spaces for living, working, and leisure. Despite the complexity of the brief, the architectural strategy remains disciplined. The building is composed of two offset volumes that step with the contours of the land. The northern wing follows the footprint of the original structure, incorporating guest accommodation and a wellness level set partially below ground. The southern wing extends in a more linear formation, supported on cantilevered elements to preserve the continuity of the landscape beneath.
This bifurcated form allows for a series of internal courtyards and intermediate garden spaces that enhance environmental performance and user experience. These open-air zones facilitate natural ventilation, bring daylight deep into the plan, and provide seasonal variation. Material selections reflect a similarly site-sensitive approach: a Petersen brick establishes a robust ground level, while the upper floor features charred timber cladding and precision-milled accoya louvres, referencing shou-sugi-ban techniques in a contemporary context. The zinc roof traces the clean, gabled forms, with timber detailing used to articulate thresholds and junctions.
Internally, the layout prioritises spatial flexibility and passive environmental performance. Exposed timber structures and full height sliding partitions enable adaptable configurations over time. Living areas are arranged in an open sequence with framed views to surrounding gardens, while smaller zones allow for retreat and focused use. Daylight is modulated through carefully positioned openings, rooflights, and fixed louvres, enhancing solar gain and enabling passive cooling. Overhangs and cantilevers provide targeted shading where required.
Sustainability principles underpin the entire design. A fabric-first approach was central to the strategy, with performance modelling indicating an 83% reduction in operational carbon emissions compared to the existing structure. Passive measures — including cross ventilation, thermal mass utilisation, and solar control — are embedded within the form and detailing. A portion of the south-facing roof is allocated for photovoltaic panels, while green roofs manage rainwater and support urban biodiversity.
The landscape design was developed in parallel with ecological and arboriculture consultants to ensure a net biodiversity gain. Existing trees are retained and reinforced, with new planting introduced to support ecological connectivity and seasonal variation. These interventions are integral to the overall performance of the house, supporting natural cooling, stormwater attenuation, and long-term resilience.
With planning now secured, Branwyn House stands as a refined vision that responds intelligently to its context, and demonstrates how multigenerational living can be integrated with sustainability and architectural clarity.
What’s Next?
Discover our latest Architecture Projects and Instagram page.
Whether you’re looking for a heritage renovation or an imaginative new-build home, our Architecture team is on hand to create thoughtfully-considered and beautifully-crafted homes that will leave a lasting legacy.
Get in touch to get started.