A development of five high-end contemporary new build houses nestled in an ancient woodland in Prestbury.
Each dwelling is carefully designed to sit in clearings between trees, delicately avoiding extensive tree protection areas. Each is angled towards the best views, and the cranked plans naturally create asymmetric roofs. The internal layout of each captures morning and evening sunlight deep into the open-plan kitchens and master bedrooms along with open, framed or vertical views of adjacent tree canopies. Louvered screens further the notion of being in the branches of a tree and provide variegated light to the rooms’ interiors at the first and second-floor levels.
External walkways root the dwellings in their individual plots by extending into the landscape and wrapping a sitting area around an existing element in the landscape, such as a tree or a mound. In addition to creating spaces to enjoy views of the house and the garden, they also create stunning views from the interior outwardly through the columns.
The planting in the private gardens blends with the woodland, and the whole approach through the site is handled like a parkland landscape with both ornamental and native grasses, new trees and minimal boundaries. We have worked very closely with Carolyn Willitts of CW Studio to enhance the soft rural landscaping. Hand-made card and timber models were used at five detailed stages throughout the design process to demonstrate the scheme’s sensitive scale, massing and form.
We were delighted when the design of ‘Waterbank’ was shortlisted for the President’s Award at the Manchester Society of Architects awards ceremony in 2019. Following its completion on-site by Altin Homes, it has gained recognition at the International Property Awards and the WhatHouse? Awards 2023.
Press :
Awards :
WhatHouse? Awards 2023 //
International Property Awards 2021 //
Visuals by Darc Studio