The scheme is for a replacement bungalow on the edge of the New Forest. It is along a quiet road with large, detached houses to the north and south, the forest to the west and a large open paddock to the east.
The site previously accommodated a bungalow whose layout did not take advantage of the site or the stunning views.
Extensive discussions were undertaken with the local authority, initially to establish the principal of redevelopment. The size of the new dwelling was restricted to 30% above the area of the house as defined in 1982 which meant a maximum gross internal area figure of 150sqm. It was also imposed that even though the adjacent neighbours were all large, two storey houses, the replacement had to remain single storey.
The new dwelling is located in a similar position to the original to maintain the building line and included a detached annex which was to be used as a studio and could be classed as an additional area to the house itself. The existing timber out buildings and workshops to the perimeter of the site were retained.
The building is split into two distinct forms, with black zinc used to the walls and pitched roofs which contain the reception rooms and master bedroom suite and render to flat roofed guest rooms, bathrooms and study. To maximise the volume beneath the pitched roofs, they are vaulted to the underside.
The dwelling is orientated to maximise views to both paddock and forest. The main entrance leads to a family room with a vaulted ceiling and corner sliding doors which open up to a large terrace. Pocket doors lead into the living room with a further vaulted ceiling and a large 3m tall bay window with built in seat which looks towards the forest.
A corridor, including a projecting window seat with views to the paddock, leads south to the bedroom wing, arriving at the master bedroom suite which opens up to the swimming pool and outdoor shower to the south-east corner.
There is a sun deck above the roof on the south-west corner to maximise evening sun whilst the rest of the flat roof accommodates sedum.
Photovoltaic panels are sited on the south facing roof and underfloor heating, which runs throughout the house, is connected to an air source heat pump.