Private Client
Our second new-build home within the grounds of the Grade II listed estate of Aynhoe Park in Oxfordshire.
The footprint of House 3 reflects that of House 2, however, an expansive basement level has been added to increase the floor to 1300sq.m. The house features three linear wings orientated to splay out opening up the house to the dramatic vistas over the Cherwell valley that divides Northamptonshire from Oxfordshire. Sitting to the west of the south-west of the parkland the house nestled on the highest point with the land dropping of beyond. Proposed as a series of stacked rectilinear volumes the ground floor is finished in grey Cotswold stone offering a heavy, grounded connection with the undulating terrain. The first-floor, housing the sleeping quarters is clad in huge, fibre-concrete panels with deep punched window reveals either a range of glimpses or vast panoramas of the stunning landscape that surround it.
Upon entering the house a large, sweeping concrete stair offers the first hint as to the immense scale of the property. Each of the three wings splay from this double-height central hallway dividing the spaces to suit the spaces required by the young family set to occupy it. Five large bedrooms, all with ensuite, a reception, family living, playroom, utility and boot room, guest quarters with a basement featuring a dance studio, games room and a garage accessed via a deep winding ramp. Also visible on entering the house a natural swimming pond offers a subtle green covering allowing the new contemporary landscaping to sit comfortably in its surroundings. Set out by Capability Brown 250 years before the estate has also experienced interventions by John Soane and Humphrey Repton which lend their names to each the houses.
Given the scale of the build, an economy of fabrication, simple mix of quality but limited materials and the use of repeat design details have been developed to enable the cost to remain close to the planned budget.
The engineers have designed a large span steel frame, eliminating the need for large numbers of internal columns, whilst permitting wide panoramic permeations. The first floor is to be constructed in structural, insulated panels (SIPs) to both speeds up the build and to provide highly efficient thermal insulation throughout with large, slimline glazing throughout The wide, private landscaping forms part of a larger vision and we are working with Emma Griffin Garden Design to integrate the house, swimming pond and planting with the surrounding landscaping. Currently surrounded by mature woodland the adjacent parkland is now inhabited by deer, who add a special feel to what will be a spectacular country estate when completed by the end of 2021.
We are currently compiling the detailed design and full tender package to take the project forward to construction early 2020.
Project services provided –
Planning Amendments
Discharge Planning Conditions
Detail Design
Manage Tender Process
Construction Drawings
Site Attendance during Construction
Contract Administration
As-Built Drawings
Rectification
Design Team.
SD Structures – Structural
Will Potter Building Services – M+E
Anderson Associates – QS
Emma Griffin Garden Design – Landscape
Katie Grove – Interior Design
ACT Surveyors – Approved Inspector
CH/PK – CDM PD
Border Archaelogy
Newland Solutions – AV
Contractor.
Donovan Construction
Under Construction. Nov 2022
Photos. Oflight Studio
Images. Darcstudio