Contemporary New House, UK

The client approached Adam Knibb Architect's to design a contemporary new build house providing future proof sustainable accommodation in replacement for a old 1950s house.

The external material palette is conceived as a two intersecting white rendered volumes, conjoined by a glass link and sat on a monolithic masonry base to ground the property within its context. Timber cladding and louvered screens provide interest to the elevations whilst contributing to privacy from the roadside and protection from excessive solar gain.

The design enters the property alongside an imposing cantilever which creates a sense of drama to the street facing elevation. A double height, glazed atrium provides an uninterrupted view of the sloping site beyond. The house is divided into two ‘wings’, both accessed off the centrally located entrance hall. To the west, a series of functional spaces occupy the darker areas of the plan including a boot room, WC and separate shower. To the front of the property there is a gym whilst to the rear, a living area capitalises on views of the garden. To the east a large living room occupies the space, connected to an open plan kitchen and dining area at a lower level. A feature fireplace provides a focal point within the room and bookends the stairs to the lower level. Projecting canopies formed from the first floor above provide protection from the sun and further define the contemporary form.

A central staircase leads up to the first floor level before arriving into a generous landing that overlooks the entrance hall below. The first floor is arranged within two volumes with a glass link providing the separation between the two. To the front of the western volume is a good sized bedroom and study; an en-suite and laundry occupy the centre of the plan. To the rear, a master suite capitalises on views of the garden through corner sliding doors and private balcony. The master suite is afforded with a large ensuite and walk through dressing area. To the east, the volume is divided
into a family bathroom, three bedrooms, one of which has an en-suite, all with sliding doors that look out on to the garden and benefit from the southern aspect.