Coille Beag is a new-build, high-quality contemporary dwelling within an area of natural woodland in the heart of a south Cambridgeshire village.

 

Our brief was to create open-plan living spaces with a strong connection to their woodland surroundings.  Snell David developed a low-lying plan with 'wings,' that extend from a central double-height core.  The ‘wings’ negotiate a path around the existing trees to achieve spaces that benefit from natural sunlight and optimal views out towards the landscape, creating unique ambiences as you move through the property.  As a home to enjoy retirement, enhanced mobility around the house  is successfully achieved by placing the master bedroom suite on the ground floor, with three further bedrooms at first floor for visiting family.

 

A timber framed vertical blackened larch cladding was used at first floor to hint towards village vernacular, whilst at ground level the building rises up as a ribbed cast concrete shell, with some elements of the concrete left as exposed interior features.  This unusual form, combined with robust and natural materials, responds to its setting and our client’s needs to create a beautiful and bespoke contemporary home’