Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.
A light and bright contemporary home that sits comfortably in an established green belt setting and offers space aplenty for family living.
What was the client’s brief?
Orchard House occupies an idyllic six-acre site in Oxfordshire’s green belt. The ill-thought-out existing accommodation comprising a 1960s bungalow with large adjacent barn reflects fifty years or so of ad-hoc development, complete with poorly conceived additions and extensions that mask any of the property’s original merits. In its place, the client wants a home of charm and character that makes the most of its countryside location, while offering a large and family focused contemporary living space that is practical and energy efficient.
What did we do?
We’ve designed a characterful contemporary home that reflects the heritage of the surrounding area, incorporating a blend of vernacular building materials and punctuated by impressive double-height glazing panels that flood the interior with light. The house and former barn will be removed and replaced with a building that echoes its original form – the interlinked spaces providing a spacious floorplan that will provide the perfect backdrop to family life.The orientation of the house, coupled with a bespoke landscape design, shields the neighbouring properties from view, at the same time offering expansive south-west-facing vistas over the grounds and countryside beyond.
What challenges did we need to overcome?
Securing planning permission in the Green Belt is always a tricky proposition, as development is strictly controlled and the regulations covering building design, materials and execution are exacting to ensure that works don’t unduly disrupt the local area. In this case, the site’s proximity to a listed property also introduces additional challenges. The resulting design is a triumph of form and function. It cleverly reflects the architectural traditions of the local village, featuring a pitched roof and employing a combination of brick and timber cladding to convey a sense that the building has evolved into its current form over a number of years. The clever use of glazing not only provides welcome natural light but also reduces the visual impact of the property.
What will the finished result look like?
An exceptional contemporary new build, the house confidently fulfils green belt requirements, while delivering a home that perfectly expresses our client’s aspirations and that will provide comfortable family living for many decades to come. The T-shaped floorplan offers a high degree of flexibility and benefits from a south-westerly orientation to make the most of the extensive gardens. Inside, there’s a large open-plan kitchen and double-height living space that’s built for entertaining. Six bedrooms plus an office, gym and triple garage complete the accommodation. Glazed walls connect the house with the outdoors and provide exquisite views throughout the year.
Renovations.
We’ve helped transform many wonderful living spaces through renovations and extensions over the years.
Whether you’re looking for a contemporary glass addition, a complete makeover for a period Victorian or Edwardian property, internal remodelling options for houses built more recently, or a complete restoration of a derelict building, we’ll be able to help.
Using our 3D design process, you can explore a range of alterations before embarking on the more detailed phase of your renovation or extension.
Listed Properties.
With our wealth of experience working on listed and heritage properties across London and the South East, HollandGreen has successfully negotiated consents with Local Authority Conservation Officers and with Historic England for a wide range of renovation and extension planning requests.
We work with Specialist Heritage Consultants, and Archaeologists to provide detailed assessments of historic buildings, and have gained approval for ambitious, but sympathetic alterations to properties of historic interest, including those Grade ii* which fall within the top 3% of protected properties in the UK.
New Builds.
For many people the prospect of building their own home is the ultimate dream. At HollandGreen, we’re proud of the fact that we have helped a number of people achieve this dream.
If you are fortunate enough to have a plot of land that has the potential to be built on, or a house that you would like to knock down and start again with a blank piece of paper, we’d love to help.
We can advise on likely planning implications to help establish the feasibility of your project. Our exciting design journey will help you navigate through planning, choosing your builder, and delivering your dream new home.
Barn Conversions.
Barn conversions offer the perfect opportunity to create a unique countryside home, packed with character. At HollandGreen, we’ve had extensive experience in converting existing agricultural buildings into residential dwellings, in accordance to the recent changes to ‘Class Q’ Permitted Development Rights.
From traditional listed stone walled buildings with slate roofing, to more modern metal clad farm sheds for the modern, industrial look, you can create luxurious country living perfect for you. What a great opportunity to create a characterful family home that’s sympathetic to its rural setting, and generally larger in volume and scale than a modern build.
Conservation Areas.
Many properties fall within locations specified as a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and we have specific experience working with planning departments across London, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Please do get in touch if you have any specific questions around what can be possible within a Conservation Area, even if you are just at the early stage of purchasing the property.
Luxury Basements & Pools.
If you’re battling to add space to your property, creating a basement storey can provide the perfect option to add significant living space, without having to move.
With basements closer to the main living areas than lofts, there is greater flexibility in terms of use, from home cinemas, wine cellars and playrooms, to office spaces, personal gyms and swimming pools.
To find out whether adding a basement to your property will add value to your house, we recommend seeking advice from your local estate agents. Talk to us about Permitted Development Rights, as basement extensions are often possible, if a cellar space already exists.
Luxury Kitchens & Lofts.
The way people use their living space is changing. We find that for most of our clients, the kitchen is now the hub of the modern home, and we’re proud that we’ve become known for our inventive and aspirational kitchen extensions.
We’ve helped hundreds of home owners across London and the South East create open, bright and contemporary kitchen living spaces that combine cooking, dining and living within one social and inviting area.
We’re also known for our carefully considered, aesthetically pleasing loft extensions that both increase living space and add a wonderful new aspect to your home.
- Renovations
- Listed Properties
- New Builds
- Barn Conversions
- Conservation Areas
- Luxury Basements & Pools
- Luxury Kitchens & Lofts