Set against the serene green landscape and waters of Henley-on-Thames, in the UK’s south, Pheasants is a single family home, within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The architects – a team comprised by Amin Taha and Sarah Griffiths – won the commission via an RIBA competition, a process fairly unusual for a residential project of its kind; but one which showcases the client’s dedication to quality architecture. The end result does not disappoint, with its strong geometric shapes in a carefully balanced juxtaposition between modern architecture and natural surroundings.
The team went through a near year-long planning process, but in the end there’s barely any compromise in their design. The house, for a client who had a great admiration for the work of Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, was after something simple and powerful, so the architects drew with sharp lines and a legible architectural gesture; an S-shaped volume out of concrete defines the design and appears to defy gravity, floating above green lawns.
The house's main volume is made out of concrete. Photography: Tim Soar
A landscaped garden surrounds the house, composed from a selection of terraces, some pebbled, others paved and some left green. These envelope a large reflective pool, which is flanked by bespoke benches in concrete. A Corten pavilion greets visitors and links the outdoors with the main house through a procession of garden surfaces.
Inside, cleverly positioned openings, some on the side facades, some on the ceiling, both enhance the interior’s visual and physical connection to the outdoors through panoramic views out, and ensure sunlight bathes the different rooms. Carefully crafted features, such as tactile Corten panels and polished concrete floors, underline the superior design quality and extra care taken when building this unique countryside home.
The Royal Institute of British Architects 2018 ‘RIBA House Of The Year’ award will be announced on 28 November 2018
The house sits on a generous plot in Henley-on-Thames. Photography: Tim Soar
The structure's strong, geometric elevation is a defining element in the design. Photography: Tim Soar
Set among green lawns, the S-shaped volume stands out in its context. Photography: Tim Soar
The architects made sure the residents can enjoy the outdoors from different parts of the house. Photography: Tim Soar
Lots of toplit spaces inside create a dramatic effect. Photography: Tim Soar
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Amin Taha Architects website
-
Hella Jongerius’ ‘Angry Animals’ take a humorous and poignant bite out of the climate crisisAt Salon 94 in New York, Hella Jongerius presents animal ceramics, ‘Bead Tables’ and experimental ‘Textile Studies’ – three series that challenge traditional ideas about function, craft, and narrative
-
A photographic study of a family hi-fi store is a vivid portrait of a small businessFashion photographer Nik Hartley looked behind the scenes at Wilkinson’s Hi-Fi, a longstanding part of its Lancashire community.
-
The Contestant: inside the dark and exploitative beginnings of reality TVClair Titley’s The Contestant examines a sensationalist moment in TV history, before Big Brother meant reality became an accepted part of popular culture
-
Meet Scotland's best new building: The Burrell Collection wins Doolan 2024The Doolan 2024 award crowns The Burrell Collection in Glasgow as Scotland's finest building this year, celebrating its comprehensive recent refurbishment
-
‘Concrete Dreams’: rethinking Newcastle’s brutalist pastA new project and exhibition at the Farrell Centre in Newcastle revisits the radical urban ideas that changed Tyneside in the 1960s and 1970s
-
Explore a barn conversion with a difference on the Isle of WightGianni Botsford Architects' barn conversion transforms two old farm buildings into an atmospheric residence and artistic retreat, The Old Byre
-
Capability House blends contemporary architecture and historical landscape in rural EnglandCapability House is a modern retreat by Dedraft set in the historical landscape of green, Capability Brown-designed grounds in rural England's Aynhoe Park Estate
-
A Peckham house design unlocks a spatial puzzle in south LondonAudacious details, subtle colours and a product designer for a client make this Peckham house conversion a unique spatial experience
-
Squire & Partners' radical restructure: 'There are a lot of different ways up the firm to partnership'Squire & Partners announces a radical restructure; we talk to the late founder Michael Squire's son, senior partner Henry Squire, about the practice's new senior leadership group, its next steps and how architecture can move on from 'single leader culture'
-
Meet the 2024 Royal Academy Dorfman Prize winner: Livyj Bereh from UkraineThe 2024 Royal Academy Dorfman Prize winner has been crowned: congratulations to architecture collective Livyj Bereh from Ukraine, praised for its rebuilding efforts during the ongoing war in the country
-
RIBA House of the Year 2024: browse the shortlist and pick your favouriteThe RIBA House of the Year 2024 shortlist is out, celebrating homes across the UK: it's time to place your bets. Which will win the top gong?
