The Hide, Buckinghamshire

The home is approached via a bridge, which leads into a dramatic double-height living space where the landscape unfolds through expansive glazing. This architectural solution was our response to the site’s steep gradient, creating a dramatic, level entry that leads directly into the heart of the home while the lower levels are embedded within the hillside.

Designing a new home in the Green Belt presented a significant planning challenge, requiring a proposal of exceptional quality that was sensitive to its context. Our solution was a design that brought together the distinct character of the Chilterns with a refined, modern sensibility. A carefully considered material palette of Chiltern red brick and black timber cladding roots the building in its local setting, ensuring the new structure sits comfortably within the landscape.

A key challenge was to balance the desire for large openings with the need for a home that felt comfortable. We resolved this by pairing the expansive glazing with the subtle industrial edge of Crittall-style windows and Corten steel accents. This layered approach prevents the large glazed areas from feeling disconnected from the home’s tactile, grounded character.

The design has been recognised by a series of prestigious awards, including being named a National Finalist and Regional Winner for Best Individual New Home from LABC, a Finalist for House of the Year at the British Homes Awards, recipient of the Berkhamsted Citizens’ Environment Award, and winner of BUILD’s Best Replacement Dwelling, South East Award.

The result is a home that feels at once grounded and forward-looking, shaped by a desire for openness, flexibility, and a profound connection to nature.