To this end the focus was on shapes with overhangs, pitched roofs, linear forms and vertical timber cladding.  The aim was to use materials familiar to the local architectural palette but with a contemporary slant.  For example, wide aspect shou sugi ban timber cladding; naturally weathered larch narrow aspect cladding and louvred cladding would all be used to complement the predominantly timber local agricultural buildings.  Another key element of this project was to highlight and maximise the views.  We utilised bronze glazing throughout the scheme both internally and externally.  This has the dual effect of reflecting the spectacular views whilst creating a heightened sense of drama.

Whilst this is a predominantly a family home, it is also a property with a clear focus on entertaining and entertainment.  As such, the scheme required elements of pure theatre.  The entrance hall sets the stage and is designed with a classic car on display on a plinth.  The entrance hall leads to the living accommodation on one side and the entertainment and leisure areas on the other.  The living spaces were designed to be sociable, functional, open-plan areas.  The main lounge enjoys a high tech media wall, a full height aquarium (with fish and aquatic landscaping chosen to mirror the local scenery) and a double sided log burner with recessed TV niches.  Beyond a glazed wall we proposed the addition of a winter garden, creating an outside space which can be used all year round.

Back in the lounge Crittall style doors open into the day living area, which is designed to be a less formal area.  The day living space flows effortlessly into the dining area which offers drama in spades with full height and width glazed doors to both aspects. We were keen to ensure the house feels akin to an organic part of the landscape.  One way in which we achieved this was to utilise materials that are part of the local architectural vernacular within the house.  To this end the dining area boasts a reeded timber clad feature wall and a statement piece sliding partition wall into the kitchen in a slate finish.

The kitchen is designed to be both a functional and sociable space.  A glazed area is cantilevered out from the kitchen.  With infinite attention to detail, this area is designed with a day bed as well as sensory dog beds for man’s best friend.  Glazed doors open from the kitchen onto a BBQ terrace and kitchen garden.  A further glazed door from the kitchen leads into a chic glass link through to the gym area.  Highly stylised and perfectly formed, the glazed link has exquisite design credentials, added to which it offers virtually 360 degree views.  Fully kitted with strength and performance equipment and a rotating climbing wall, the gym also has its own snug for downtime once workouts are completed.

The entertainment and leisure part of the home, whist joined to the living accommodation, is deliberately designed to be a distinct entity. The area is accessed via glazed doors directly from the main entrance hall.  They lead into a lounge area with double sided fireplace into the pool table space.  Beyond this is the backlit bar complete with wine and spirit displays.  The entire entertainment space has glazed sliding doors enabling the space to be completely opened out thus creating a seamless flow between inside and outside space.   Moving further on there is a golf simulator and Heineken room as well as a note of drama with a secret door into the three car garage.  To add to the full entertainment experience, a bowling alley is positioned behind the main entertainment suite.

The lower ground floor, accessed by stairs from the main entrance hall offers a different experience again.  This is designed as a more intimate space with a relaxed and calming atmosphere.    The aim was to create the feeling of a luxury spa experience.  This is achieved with double hot tubs, a raised platform suspended over the swimming pool which is furnished with day beds and cinema screen, a sauna, steam room and massage room accessed over underlit stepping stones in a basalt stone.  Space was maximised to allow for a salt water floatation tank which features backlit precious stones for the ultimate soothing experience.  Tucked away from the pool area is a classically designed cinema room with tiered seating.