A hidden
green oasis

Standing in a wildflower meadow, and framed by protected woodland, this single-storey house on the outskirts of Virginia Water in Surrey, was once a derelict light industrial site. Now transformed, this is a home and garden that balances understated and refined architectural ambition, with our client’s requirements for a space grounded in nature, a peaceful canvas for everyday life.

Discreet in design and material, the low-lying building sits quietly into the landscape, respecting the natural surroundings, not imposing on them. To avoid the property ever feeling enclosed by the plot’s boundaries, plans were organised entirely around optimising views and framing vistas out to the gardens and the changing seasons, with a central courtyard bringing the outside world right into the heart of the home.

Formed of a series of open and interconnected spaces, a glazed entrance lobby looks out on to the central courtyard, bringing natural light and cross-ventilation to the home. The lobby leads to the main open-plan living, kitchen and dining areas, which have uninterrupted views out to the meadows and woodland beyond. These areas come together to create a perfect space for entertaining. The understated kitchen reflects the client’s wishes for a contemporary and modest aesthetic that makes the most of standard components.

Tucked away from the main space is a quiet snug with views of the woodland. From here, a corridor leads to the bedrooms. The master bedroom sits at the end, with further expansive views to the gardens. These rooms continue the muted theme and colour palette of the central areas, but with a softness that brings tranquillity to this wing of the building.

Thoroughly modern in design, the use of light-coloured brickwork, natural materials and a neutral palette throughout, creates a calming and timeless environment that echoes and complements the tones and textures of the landscape. Visible joists, timber flooring, elegant joinery, and the woody scent of pine and Douglas Fir, emphasise the strong connection between the house and its setting.

This is an efficient and high performance home. Designed with a focus on sustainability, the building features triple glazing, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems, along with excellent airtightness ratings. A ground source heat pump installed beneath the wildflower meadows provides energy- efficient heating, while automated shading systems and strategically planted young trees, offer natural and passive overheating strategies.

As a single storey building, the garden is always on the doorstep, with opportunities to step outside or simply notice the rhythm of the seasons, from every room and aspect.

Due to the area’s floodplain zoning, the house is raised off the ground, and, as a result, will be protected during periods of high water and flooding. Along with the addition of ramps, steps, and the flutter of wildflowers close to the building, it appears to sit suspended above the surrounding gardens. Hornbeam, beech, fruit trees and more, frame a now flourishing landscape of local and native plants and wildlife.

Working closely with landscape and environmental consultants, we were able to ensure the preservation of the site’s existing plants and wildlife. The floodplain area of the garden attracts a rich variety of visitors, so the gardens were carefully designed to support this, with the meadows and a kitchen garden creating a mosaic of distinct habitat zones.

The rehabilitation of this ordinary scrap of land has created something quite special – a home with the lightest of footprints, surrounded by an ever- changing and diverse natural panorama.