Settled in the open countryside in Buckinghamshire, this house is nestled in a rural location, the First Floor Cantilever bringing a modern twist to a classic development.

The brief was to provide a dwelling which responds to its context in materiality. We have utilised the simple composition of using stone from the earth on the lower level and floating timber on the upper level enhanced by a series of green tinted panels to provide transparency and reflection to the surrounding plot-scape.

The floating first floor cantilevers and balances on the ground floor, providing long reaching views from the master bedroom and various short distance views of the plot from the other bedrooms. As an architectural element, the first floor cantilever pulls you into the site in awe of its weightlessness. Vertical electronically controlled louvres to the windows provide solar shading and privacy shading to the bedrooms.

The lower level is grounded by the strong stone elements, the roofing detail free-floating from the frameless glazing.

With careful attention to detail the open plan ground floor connects from the front door area through to the rear garden and a horizontal expanse of glazing connects the rear living spaces to the garden-scape to the rear creating light-filled spaces.

For more examples of first floor cantilevers creating modern designs within rural environments, browse our residential architecture portfolio. Or please don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information on our one off houses and to talk to a member of our award winning team.