GHK were approached to prepare designs for a new house to replace an existing log kit house which had been built in part of the historic landscape surrounding Bulstrode Park, Buckinghamshire.
The grounds are grade II* listed on the register of historic parks and gardens and the project therefore required extensive consultation with both English Heritage and The Garden History Society. In return for entering into an agreement to prepare and implement a plan for the management of the historic landscape, we were able to negotiate an increase on the permissible floor area of the new house with the local planning authority.
The design for this new house is classically inspired whilst the plan form and spatial relationships are contemporary.
A key feature of the landscape which influenced the design of the new house was the formal eighteenth century canal. The form of the house comprises a pavilion having an axial relationship with the canal beyond. This axis was then continued through the house to provide a vista from the front door to a temple at the far end of the canal.
Traditional materials on the exterior complement the landscape setting whilst the extensive use of glass, natural stone and limed oak give the interior a contemporary feel.
Short-listed for
The Manser Medal 2002
Natural Stone Awards 2002
New Build Traditional
I have worked with Richard as a building contractor on a number of large projects both new build and refurbishment. Richard and his team at GHK are clearly focused on period properties and their attention to detail and quality is exemplary. Read more They are also well versed in contemporary style and its harmonisation with an existing listed or other period property both for commercial or residential use. Their attentive style is to be admired and their service is all about the client and not some fashion ego with an award at the end...although if that occurs too (and it has done) then so much the better. I would certainly recommend Richard and GHK to work on any substantial project you are considering; they will be an invaluable member of the design and build team.
