New Dwelling Traditional

Brief
We were asked to remodel and redesign this new dwelling. We were to maximise the use of  the plot, but also retain some of the original mature garden features. 
The client was looking for an open plan central area for family living and socialising but also  a quiet secluded space for those recharge/ chill out times. They were also keen to have a  guest bedroom downstairs to provide some privacy and separation when people came to  stay, and also wanted provisions to house elderly family when the time came. The client was also interested to get as close to Carbon Net Zero as possible within his  budget to future proof the house. 

Description
We love heading back to our roots and creating the more traditional types of architecture  and this particular property to be built in Oxfordshire, is certainly ticking those boxes. The  client had very specific needs with this design and has come up with challenges for us, in not  only creating the open plan living, which is very desirable currently but making those spaces  work. We had to support spans of up to 8m, which in domestic terms can be quite  challenging. Fortunately with our team of trusted third parties, which includes a structural  engineer with whom we have developed a close relationship since our inception, meant this  was qualified very easily. The plot also gave us some challenges as the dwelling was to be stepped in 3 places to accommodate the rise in site levels from the front aspect to the rear. rooms, with a bridge affair at the head of the stairs to allow for a galleried view to the lower  floor. 
Finally we were able to design in an annex over the garage to provide for elderly relatives.  This again reflects in the design and we have successfully managed to step the dwelling in  predetermined places to allow for a natural flow for the occupants. The upper floor see’s three good size bedrooms and a nice touch by the client in terms of access to those  provision for elderly relatives.