The dwelling provides 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, an open-plan living arrangement, 2 studies, reception / family areas, utility, storage and an integral double garage. Furthermore, there is a guest house to accommodating 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, as well as a pool house / leisure facility.

The gross Internal Floor Area (without external walls) of the main house is 706.30m2 (7,602.5 sqft) while the guest house is 127.20m2 (1,369.2 sqft).

The new building meets the needs of our clients whilst also maximizing the potential of the site. The orientation and layout has evolved to exploit both the views and the sun path to allow passive solar heating through the expansive glazing. The dwelling is 3 storeys, with bedrooms arranged on the lower floor, communal living spaces on the upper ground floor, and a sky lounge area with an external roof terrace to capitalize on views.

An infinity pool is featured to the east of the dwelling, which horizontally frames the distant landscape. Furthermore, the scheme includes a Pool House which accommodates a covered bar, pool equipment storage, shower room and gym. The Guest House and Pool House have a Northern orientation towards the garden on a lower level. These are located close to the main dwelling, therefore condensing the existing spread of buildings on site.

Due to the sensitive location within the Metropolitan Green Belt, we carefully considered the scale and massing in order to achieve a proposal which has less impact than that of existing. Rather than sit on top of the existing landscape, which involves large areas of hard landscaping, our strategy was to develop a proposal which integrates within the landscape.

The dwelling is built into the landscape so that the lower ground floor level is a partial basement. Therefore, from the entrance, the building will appear lower. However, the lower ground floor opens up towards the rear, capturing downhill views over the site. Further to this, the first floor element is offset from the external envelope, reducing its appearance. The dwelling adopts a modern flat roof design which lowers the roof finish level, reducing its impact.

By exploiting the natural characteristics of the site with our carefully considered strategies, the project demonstrates a clear reduction of built form in the landscape, enhancing the existing character of the site.

The material palette consists of marble and limestone. This is a natural material which will provide longevity to the dwelling. 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.