Courtyard House

Where Tradition Meets Modern Elegance:
A Unique Architectural Fusion.

We recently completed construction on a beautiful house in South Oxfordshire. Designed by Architect Mike Orr as his personal home, this design stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity. Nestled within a picturesque setting, this remarkable house seamlessly marries the enduring charm of a traditional pitched slate roof house with the sleek sophistication of modern flat-roofed single-storey elements and contemporary detailing.

The heart of this architectural gem lies on the ground floor, where a harmonious integration of living spaces unfolds. The kitchen, living area, dining room, and home office are strategically positioned around a central courtyard garden, forming the focal point of the house.

The architectural vision unfolds with a carefully curated material palette that includes the warmth of light vertical timber boarding, the crisp elegance of render, and the striking contrast of dark slim-profile windows and doors. To efficiently manage solar gains and harness the power of natural light, sliding timber louvres have been integrated into the design, both as an element of form and function.

This project presented unique challenges in navigating the intricacies of planning and design, with a multi-phased approach of several planning and permitted development applications and approvals to ultimately achieve Mike’s vision.

This project is also a testament to our commitment to environmental responsibility. We’ve seamlessly integrated a heat pump system for efficient climate control, solar panels to harness renewable energy, cutting-edge battery storage for power optimization, and EV charging infrastructure. These technologies not only enhance the project’s efficiency but also reduce the carbon footprint of the project, demonstrating our dedication to a more sustainable future.