Mike and Lindsay asked us to design a contemporary home that would allow them to accommodate their family within the Dorset countryside.
Design
Bleet Farm’s glulam structure forms two waves that echo the surrounding rolling hills. On arrival, the sheltered west terrace provides cover before entering into the echelon plan. The central spine comprising of a feature spiral staircase with lantern overhead, connects the two levels.
Externally, the timber cladding will weather naturally and the zinc roof will mature to a blue-grey patina over time. Inside, a generous open-plan kitchen, living and dining space sits at entrance level, overlooking the Dorset landscape. A circular roof light sitting over the central stairs and draws natural light deep into the home.
Technical
The new dwelling at Bleet Farm meets the client’s needs whilst utilising natural materials that are visually and environmentally sympathetic. The installation of MVHR is amongst strategies to reduce heating energy demands and to cut carbon emissions, whilst the timber construction grounds contemporary architecture into its rural setting.
Client: Mike & Lindsay
Designed by: Ben Smith, George Batterham
Structural Engineer: Giraffe Engineering
Built by: Ken Biggs