Melbury Home, Surrey

A contemporary country house making use of the sloping terrain and mature woodland

The linear, south facing, garden-oriented form of the house for a familly of six totalling some 5000sqft, sets out a matrix of spatial articulation, separation and connectivity, through the counterpoint of geometry, materiality and texture.
The first and ground floors are stepped and embeded in the landscape so the distinctions between inside and outside, between upper and lower levels are softened giving a more fluid spatial experience. The pattern of terraces is extended to include ornamental pools, lake and swimming pool.
The driveway leads steeply down through a copse of oak and chestnut to the north facade, conceived as a slate and glass screen which separates the entrance fore-court. This is articulated with a projecting balcony and windows giving framed views from within.
The south facade is treated with large sliding glass screens within a structure of sandstone and stainless steel, shaded with external blinds and awnings. Sandstone flooring to lower levels is complimented with timber ceilings and furniture elements.