flower house

Marc, Laura and their daughter had outgrown their small central London apartment, and with a second on the way, they decided it was time to find a new home. They found out about Graven Hill, an experimental custom-build development in Oxfordshire where each plot is sold off individually with permission for the buyer to design and build their dream home. As a fun-loving couple that were interested in modern living, this was an irresistible opportunity – to create a home for their growing family that suited their lifestyle and expressed their personality.

They wanted a bold, contemporary home and were interested in experimenting with unusual materials. This included weathering steel, which has a rusty appearance, and ‘Shou-Sugi-Ban’ - traditional Japanese timber cladding with a charred finish.

Compared to their cramped and draughty old London apartment, Marc and Laura were stunned at how spacious and comfortable their new house was. A large skylight over the central hall automatically opens to allow hot air to escape on hot summer days. In winter, the high levels of insulation keep the building warm and draft free, and the wood burning stove provides a cosy ambience.

Moving out of London was a big change for the family, so it was important that their two young daughters would feel at home. The cupboards under the stairs provide much needed storage space for their toys, and the doors are coated in blackboard paint, creating a surface for them (and the grown-ups) to doodle on.

The open plan layout has completely changed the way that they inhabit and use their home.  The kitchen is now the heart of the home – a social, lively space. The TV room can be closed off using the large sliding door, or it can be left open if they want to keep an eye on the kids. Large bi-folding doors allow their daily life to spill out into the back garden.

Flower House was nominated for the Build It awards 2020 - best off-site manufactured home. It was designed and project managed by David whilst working at Facit Homes.