Cheshire House

At the heart of this residence lies a central courtyard — the focal point of the design — offering a seamless blend between interior and exterior space. Rooted in the Scandinavian ethos of simplicity, calm, and connection to nature, the courtyard is more than a spatial gesture; it is a lived experience. Filled with trees and planting, the inner garden aims to create a tranquil core that anchors daily life and provides the home with a quiet, meditative quality.

Proposed Section through Courtyard

The home is conceived as a single-storey structure, with the upper level thoughtfully integrated into an extended pitched roof. This subtle strategy reduces the overall volume and visual impact of the building, ensuring it sits respectfully within its greenbelt context.

Proposed Ground Floor Layout

Proposed First Floor Layout

Internally, the house embraces a truly open-plan layout, designed to foster interaction among family members. The courtyard serves as both a spatial and social tool — subtly dividing functions while preserving sightlines across the home. Living, dining, and bedroom spaces all enjoy either dual or triple aspect views, creating an immersive relationship with the outdoors and maximizing natural light throughout the day.

The material palette draws from nature: soft timber tones, textured masonry, and expansive glazing frame views of the courtyard and landscape beyond. This restrained selection echoes Scandinavian design principles, evoking warmth, honesty, and a strong connection to place. The result is a calm and grounded family home where architecture supports both communal life and quiet retreat.

Project Information

Client:

Undisclosed

Location:

Cheshire, UK

Sector:

Paragraph 84 Homes

Services:

Architectural Design, Concept Design, Interiors, Planning

Status:

Pre-Application

Design Team:

Sarah Jin

Gavin Watts