Set within a private woodland along a secluded access road of Archerfield Estate, this single-storey dwelling with guest annex forms part of a new coastal community where each residence reflects its owner’s distinct design preference, creating a rich tapestry of individual building blocks sited among mature trees that dominate the surrounding structures and contrast with the ever present horizon of the sea.
Positioned low on the site and set back from the boundaries, the standalone building wraps around a central courtyard, creating a controllable environment for its sheltered core that unifies the two wings of the structure. Generous openings blur the boundary between interior and exterior fostering an intimate connection between the primary living spaces and their private setting, while roof lights and orientation maximise natural light and track the sun’s path throughout the day.
A restrained palette of natural brick, polished concrete, and bespoke glazing emphasises simplicity, proportion, and a seamless integration with the landscape. Shadows of the surrounding vegetation imprint on the walls, reflecting the evolving nature of the site, while a reflective water basin mirrors the sky and alludes to the nearby coast. Sustainability is central, with passive solar principles, a ground source heat pump, and PV cells supporting energy efficiency.
Encircling the courtyard open to the elements the structure resists definition by merging with its environment in a quiet dialogue between form and forest.