Blackthorn House

Project Overview
Set within a secluded woodland plot, this contemporary family home blends modern design with traditional British vernacular materials. The brief called for a light-filled, functional residence that harmonises with its natural surroundings while offering a warm and welcoming environment for family life.

Design Approach
The design takes cues from the archetypal barn form, reinterpreted with a crisp contemporary aesthetic. The exterior combines vertical timber cladding and pale brickwork, creating a tactile, layered façade that sits naturally within the wooded context. A pitched roof and simple volumes respect the rural setting, while expansive glazing opens the interiors to the landscaped garden.

Spatial Layout
The ground floor is arranged around open-plan living, kitchen, and dining spaces that seamlessly connect to the outdoor terrace through sliding glass doors — encouraging an easy flow between indoor and outdoor living. To one side, more private family and reception areas are framed by full-height windows, flooding the interiors with natural light. The first floor accommodates bedrooms and quiet retreat spaces, with carefully framed views of the surrounding woodland.

Sustainability & Materials
Natural timber cladding will weather gracefully over time, allowing the house to age in harmony with its setting. High-performance glazing and robust insulation ensure thermal efficiency, while the use of locally sourced brickwork grounds the design in the material tradition of the region.

Outcome
The result is a refined yet understated home that fuses modern living requirements with a deep respect for its rural context. The architecture balances warmth, texture, and openness, offering a contemporary vision of the British countryside house.