House Exterior Ideas and Designs
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Western Design Architects LtdWDA designed this distinctive, contemporary 5 bedroom house to sit comfortably in its unique sloping woodland setting in the heart of the conservation area.
Due to its sensitive location the main planning constraints were the large number of trees in this sylvan setting. The building was designed to minimise the impact, both on trees and overlooking of neighbouring properties.
Architectural Bronze CasementsIn the meticulous restoration of this architectural gem, timber sub-frames have been thoughtfully integrated into the brick and stone reveals, serving as the perfect receptacle for elegant bronze casements with very pretty leaded detail to the top windows. The renovation also showcases several sets of timber doors, expertly accented with bronze inserts. A delightful touch is in the form of a steep pointed window, artfully executed using the Heritage system.
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HollandGreen Architecture, Interiors & LandscapesModern new build overlooking the River Thames with oversized sliding glass facade for seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Photo of a large and white modern bungalow render detached house in Oxfordshire with a flat roof.
Photo of a large and white modern bungalow render detached house in Oxfordshire with a flat roof.
Augustus Brown ArchitectsInspiration for a classic brick house exterior in London with three floors and a mansard roof.
Tye ArchitectsClient’s brief
A modern replacement dwelling designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings while prioritizing high-quality design and sustainability. It is crafted to preserve the site's openness through clever landscape integration, minimizing its environmental impact.
The dwelling provides five bedrooms, five bathrooms, an open-plan living arrangement, two studies, reception/family areas, utility, storage, and an integral double garage. Furthermore, the dwelling also includes a guest house with two bedrooms and one bathroom, as well as a pool house/leisure facility.
Programme
The original 72-week programme was extended due to COVID and lockdown. Following lockdown, there were issues with supplies and extra works were requested by the clients (tennis court, new landscape, etc.). It took around two years to complete with extra time allocated for the landscaping.
Materials
The construction of the building is based on a combination of traditional and modern techniques.
Structure: reinforced concrete + steel frame
External walls: concrete block cavity walls clad in natural stone (bonded). First floor has areas of natural stone ventilated facade.
Glazing: double glazing with solar protection coating and aluminium frames.
Roof and terraces: ceramic finish RAF system
Flooring: timber floor for Sky Lounge and Lower Ground Floor. Natural stone for Upper Ground Floor and ceramic tiles for bathrooms.
Landscape and access: granite setts and granite stepping stones.
Budget constraints
The original project had to be adjusted which implied some value engineering and redesign of some areas including removing the pond, heated pool, AC throughout.
How the project contributes to its environment
Due to the sensitive location within the Metropolitan Green Belt, we carefully considered the scale and massing to achieve less impact than that of the existing. Our strategy was to develop a proposal which integrates within the setting.
The dwelling is built into the landscape, so the lower ground floor level is a partial basement opening towards the rear, capturing downhill views over the site. The first-floor element is offset from the external envelope, reducing its appearance. The dwelling adopts a modern flat roof design lowering the roof finish level and reducing its impact.
The proposed material palette consists of marble and limestone; natural material providing longevity. Marble stone finishes the lower ground floor levels, meeting the landscape. The upper ground floor has a smooth limestone finish, with contemporary architectural detailing. The mirror glazed box on top of the building containing the Sky Lounge appears as a lighter architectural form, sitting on top of the heavier, grounded form below and nearly disappearing reflecting the surrounding trees and sky.
The project aims to minimize waste disposal by treating foul water through a treatment plant and discharging surface water back to the ground. It incorporates a highly efficient Ground Source Heat Pump system that is environmentally friendly, and the house utilizes MVHR to significantly reduce heat loss. The project features high-spec insulation throughout to minimize heat loss.
Experience of occupants
The clients are proud of the house, the fantastic design (a landmark in the area) and the everyday use of the building.
Fiddes ArchitectsDesign ideas for a multi-coloured contemporary two floor detached house in Other with mixed cladding, a lean-to roof and a grey roof.
Iguana Architects & Interior DesignCompleted renovation works
Contemporary house exterior in London.
Contemporary house exterior in London.
Spatial Design ArchitectsOur client set out from the start that he did not want a traditional home and supported us in creating a home that would be interesting, tested the planning system and made use of the lie of the land and views into the forest to the rear, the forest connects to the ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ of ‘Thorndon Country Park’.
Spatial Design Architects undertook a full site analysis and feasibility study, that included a full understanding of the site and the local context, the existing dwelling was elevated 4m above the lower garden level, the plot was within a historic hamlet that dated back to the ‘Domesday Book’ of 1086, within the metropolitan greenbelt, conservation area and was adjacent to a Grade II listed dwelling. These were many points that we had to consider our design proposals upon and its impact.
We developed many possible contemporary design forms and ideas; the main design principles were to create a dwelling that provided fantastic internal views out to the forest and garden. We formed an idea of a house that functioned with the main living spaces on the upper floor and the ancillary spaces on the lower ground floor.
The main entrance would be via the upper level, an internal and external staircase would allow transition to the lower garden level, angled boundaries allowed a form that was fractured from the central core, that created two designated spaces. The use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) was suggested for the main upper-level structure, this was chosen for fast on-site construction and low environmental impact.
We developed a pre-application design document showing our design ethos for the site with the potential mass and form. This began great pre-application discussions with the local planning authority and ‘Design Council’, from the presentation further height, volume and placement restrictions were confirmed.
A final design was approved and developed further into technical design, 3 no. intersecting anthracite zinc pods, balanced upon the gabion clad wall podium. The front was designed as a subtle contemporary cottage with a bridged entrance and the rear with cantilevered a-symmetric gabled structures with glazed facades.
Spatial Design Architects have project managed the design, detailing and delivery of this unique bespoke home.
House Exterior Ideas and Designs
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