Branwyn House is a bold concept for a contemporary, Japanese-inspired family home, thoughtfully designed to sit lightly within its landscape. Perched on a sloping site overlooking a protected green corridor, the proposal reimagines multigenerational living on a generous scale—balancing elegance with sustainable innovation.
The design embraces the land’s contours while maintaining a respectful relationship with neighbouring homes. The building’s mass is broken into two distinct wings, reducing visual impact and allowing for generous landscaped courtyards that blur the line between architecture and nature.
At the heart of the scheme is a deep respect for craftsmanship and simplicity. Natural materials—such as shou-sugi-ban inspired charred timber, muted handmade brick, and warm zinc—are paired with refined detailing to create a tactile, layered façade. The interiors are equally restrained, defined by exposed structural timber and sliding partitions that create easy adaptability for family life.
Below ground, a discreet leisure level accommodates a swimming pool, spa, gym and cinema, concealed beneath green roofs and earth-banked forms. Passive design strategies, integrated renewable energy, and fabric-first principles ensure an ambitious environmental performance, with the proposal targeting net-zero carbon through design refinements and biodiversity-led landscaping.
The landscape design for Branwyn House takes a contemporary approach to Japanese-inspired principles, creating a series of calm, structured spaces that connect directly with the home and its setting. The garden responds to the natural slope of the site, using terracing and carefully placed planting to integrate the architecture into the land while maintaining clear views across the protected green corridor.
A central water feature and outdoor firepit form focal points within the design, bringing movement, warmth, and a sense of rhythm to the space. Planting is layered and textural, drawing on Japanese influences to create seasonal interest and visual depth while supporting local biodiversity. The result is a considered landscape that combines precision, restraint, and ecological awareness—complementing the architecture through balance and simplicity.
New Homes
Architecture
Landscape Design
Berkshire
In-Design