The Wild Garden

Derrick and Gail had been living in the same house for the past twenty years, and with their kids all having flown the nest, it was time for a new chapter. They decided that they were going to build their new home, and in contrast to the period property they were moving out of, they wanted it to be a bold, contemporary piece of architecture.

At the same time, they wanted their home to feel connected to the landscape and surrounding vernacular and so chose to clad it using locally sourced Cotswold stone. The dry stone walls extend into the garden, further blurring the boundary between house and landscape. The house is built into the hillside, expressing the idea that the materials are coming out of the ground below.

Derrick and Gail wanted a building that would continue to serve them in later life. The entrance level therefore has a level threshold ensuring easy access, and includes a bedroom with en-suite, so that the house can occupied without needing to use the stairs if necessary. The stairs are equipped with future provision for a stairlift.

The Wild Garden is currently on site and nearing completion.