Project background

The clients owned a Victorian schoolhouse on a sizable plot. For some years they had their eye on another plot in the village with lovely views which would allow them to downsize. The plan was to use the funds from the plot in their existing garden and the sale of their own house to fund the project.

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Architects

Batterham Matthews

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Situated in a lovely part of the Cotswolds the plot for this oak framed house is on the side of a hill with views down to the lower part of the village. The client wanted to create a home which employed the traditional materials and craftsmanship of oak framing in a building that was largely open plan, spacious and with plenty of natural light. It needed to make the most of the views but for planning purposes needed to sit below the sight line of the cottages above and behind it.

The south facing elevation with great views to the lower end of the village 

Finding the right architect for a building is crucial but never more so than when you are building a home because the outcome is so personal and bespoke. A good working relationship between the client and architect is vital and in addition oak frame construction is not something that is understood by all architectural practices. Having past experience is very useful.

The sweeping curve of the building embraces the view and maximises its impact in the house.

Having met with the client, seen the site and understood the brief we introduced them to an architectural practice that we felt could deliver the vision of their future home. From an early stage George Batterham of Batterham Matthews was keen on a curved floor plan so that the building embraced the views. The client was particularly eager to incorporate a ‘sling braced’ oak frame over the living area which established the structural form for a large part of the house.

The substantially glazed south elevation brings lots of natural light into the house. However the overhanging eaves detail limits thermal gain when the sun is at its highest in the sky.

The client was particularly keen on the sling braced form of oak frame that gives clear headroom and an elegant arch to the cross frames.

Despite a tough start to the project over the winter of 2009/2010 with the site having to close for several weeks because of snow the house was completed in the Autumn of 2010. This is a refreshing design that makes full use of the oak frame both structurally and aesthetically.
With the varying levels and curved plan the clients have created an oak framed house with individual flair and character.

The kitchen and breakfast area