The white, clean shapes of the 20th-century’s modernist villas and the sculptural outlines of brutalist concrete homes make for perfect juxtapositions against the softness and rawness of nature; but creating playful contrasts is not the only way to negotiate architecture’s relationship to nature. Often, a different approach can have just as striking results, and Alma-nac’s House in the Woods, a new modern home quietly nestled in a tree-filled site within the South Downs National Park, is a case in point.
Aiming to create a contemporary house for its clients, a family that owned a bungalow on site for over 60 years, the London-based practice chose to work with modern shapes but took a softer approach, opting for clean but relatively modest geometries, brick-clad volumes and a pitched roof that references local vernacular.
This being an area of outstanding natural beauty, it was important for the team to make the most of its surroundings, while respecting the setting. ‘Together with our client, we wanted to make the most of the views out to the landscaped garden and the South Downs beyond and a connection with the outdoors was essential’, explain the architects. It was equally crucial for the client to design a space that is flexible enough to act as a one-bedroom holiday home, but also accommodate larger family gatherings and guests when needed.
The result is a warm and thoroughly modern home that spans 240 sq m and two levels, featuring large openings that connect inside and outside visually through abundant glazing, and directly, with living spaces spilling out onto decks, terraces and gardens. A natural material palette of hand-cut brick, timber and natural slate also emphasise the house’s affiliation to the outdoors.
A generous, flowing ground level plays host to the main living spaces, including sitting room, and kitchen and dinning areas (divided by a feature fireplace), which are placed on the southern end of the plan. Double-height spaces underline a sense of lightness and space. Two large bedrooms are located upstairs, while further guest rooms are situated on the ground level’s southern side.
The project’s effortless connection to nature made it an ideal architectural setting for our outdoors themed fashion story, ‘Natural High’, featured in our June 2018 issue, out now.
The residence was the perfect partner for our June 2018 issue's outdoors-themed fashion story
Cutting edge fashion and architecture meet on the site of this brick clad project
This five bedroom home is nestled within the South Downs National Park.
Taking a walk on the wild side, with our 'Natural High' fasgion shoot, featured in the June 2018 issue
Located in an area of outstanding beauty, the house is contempory, featuring simple, light coloured brick-clad shapes.
Spanning 240 sq m, this project has a pitched roof, referencing traditional local vernacular.
Spanning two levels, the house features generous, flowing public areas on the ground floor, including space for living, kitchen and dining
The social spaces of the house are located on the southern end of the building and spill out onto a terrace.
Inside, double height living spaces feel bright and comfortable.
Large openings keep the interiors firmly connected to the outdoors.
A built-in bench against a window, covered in warm timber, makes for the perfect reading corner.
Hand-cut brick, timber and natural slate make up the house's elegant material palette.
The upper level hosts two of the house's bedrooms, including the master suite with its generous walk-in wardrobe
A light filled staircase leads up to the top floor.
INFORMATION
For more information visit Alma-nac’s website
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