WHITE LODGE

In our planning, we had to allow for restricted access to the property due to its location in a residential green belt. Other considerations in the design brief, included the volume and size of the panes of glass, a cantilevered canopy and steel framework - all sited on a slope.

In many respects, this is a minimalist build - albeit on a luxurious scale. Glass is integral to the design, providing natural light and fabulous views of the grounds. Used structurally, the large glass panels are fixed to the steel frame of the house and, in some areas, linked to the glass flooring. Lowering these glass 'curtain walls' into the steel frames, required great accuracy and dexterity.

We were able to put our bricklaying and carpentry skills to good use in this project. The handmade bricks, used internally and externally, were cut to different lengths and laid randomly. Our objective was to break up the uniformity while achieving a sleek effect. Wood features a lot throughout the property - flooring, storage, staircases, and external panelling. However, the absence of skirting at floor level and architrave round the doors, means attention is drawn to our perfect plaster finish. Externally, the look is similarly pared down. Instead of guttering, rainwater is collected through box gutters located behind the parapet walls, while air holes replace the traditional 'pots' on the chimneys.

Finally, we fitted a lighting system throughout the house allowing the owners control using various switches, devices and custom keypads.