The Copse offers a living experience deeply connected to light, landscape, and nature. Inspired by clearings within a woodland canopy, it is a place to create memories in harmony with the sun and surroundings. Practical yet flexible, its interconnected rooms offer a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors, fostering a sustainable lifestyle where architecture, materials, and the natural environment merge as one.

RESPONDING TO THE TREES

The proposals consist of a series of elements that organically fit between the trees.

UNDER THE CANOPIES

An interesting roof form is created by carving the building volumes in relation to the surrounding trees.

RESPONDING TO THE SUN

Triangular skylights are oriented to catch the sunlight at different times of the day as well as creating views of the tree canopies.

A CONTRASTING CONVERSATION

The site presents an opportunity to shape a soft, curvaceous landscape that works in harmony with the house. Designed as one, the landscape will soften the architecture, while the house will, in turn, respect and enhance the natural surroundings. The vision is to create a dynamic contrast—a conversation between the wild, playful planting and trees, and the precise, Cartesian form of the house.

ROOTED IN NATURE

A key priority has been to preserve all existing trees, including the central tree within the main courtyard terrace, around which family life revolves. The south garden features two interconnected terraces, with meandering paths weaving through a natural woodland setting, while the north-facing back garden offers a more structured, ornamental planting scheme. Should the adjacent plot be acquired, it could accommodate a pavilion and secondary terrace.

SECOND

The master suite is located on the 2nd floor together with a widened landing that provides an ideal location for paintings and sculptures. Additionally, the wide landing offers a small lounge that enjoys great morning light and views toward central London to the north. Furthermore, this floor has a roof terrace to the south sitting amongst the tree canopies.

FIRST

First floor has four generous bedrooms with en-suites and fitted wardrobes. The first floor is accessed via the beautiful, curved stone staircase.

GROUND

The ground floor is formed of a series of volumes creating a great framework for various individual and shared activities. The studies are located close to the hall and with views over the front and rear garden. A great hall offers a beautiful, light filled, triple high entrance space while the kitchen/dining/living consists of rooms that can create a large open plan living space, or by sliding the pocket doors separate spaces can be achieved. The guest suite is located near the entrance to provide easy access from the entrance courtyard.

BASEMENT

The basement is accessible via a turntable lift to minimise space required to get to the underground garage. In addition to the garage the basement offers a gym and utility. Storage and plant space is provided along the perimeter of the basement. Even though being underground the basement enjoys great daylight through walk-on skylights.

IN DIALOGUE WITH LIGHT AND NATURE

Beyond organisation and function, the joy of the design lies in how the volumes interact with the sky, trees, and light—elevating the experience of home.

FORM FOLLOW MATERIALS

Natural materials such as stone and timber have their limitations—stone lacks weldability, and timber has strength constraints. However, by adapting the building's geometry to accommodate these limitations, we can achieve both greater efficiency and a distinctive architectural expression that reflects the forces at play within the structure. Timber, with its tensile strength, allows the roof geometry to create a tension field, enabling the roofs to hang like hammocks from the corners of the blocks. This design approach allows for the use of simple cross-layered planking, with a double layer of 40mm boards achieving an impressive 10-meter span. Stone, known for its compressive strength, forms a compression circle to create the basement walls, allowing the formation of an extensive basement with just a 100mm stone block wall. While stone’s durability makes it ideal for thin cladding that withstands the elements, timber will be exposed internally to create a more tactile and humane environment.

LONG HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL VIEWS

A grand staircase flows seamlessly into the upper storeys, as part of a triple-height hall that offers expansive vertical views. As light streams in from the skylight above, it catches the curves of the space, enhancing the sense of openness. From this hall, long vistas unfold, offering glimpses into various rooms and extending all the way to the garden, creating a strong visual connection between the interior and the exterior.

TIMELESS MATERIAL, EVOLVING LIGHT

The material palette features timeless, natural elements that evolve over time. Stone, used inside and out, interacts with light to enhance texture, while curved timber canopies, inspired by yacht decks, shape light and reduce embodied carbon. Stone walls provide space for art, balancing solidity with openness and connecting interiors to the garden. The interplay of stone and timber creates a dynamic harmony, transforming with light throughout the day and into the night, refined through carefully considered details and finishes.

SKY-HIGH SANCTUARY

The master suite occupies the top floor, featuring an expansive roof terrace that offers stunning, far-reaching views of London. This private retreat provides a serene space to relax and enjoy the sun in complete seclusion.

THE COPSE

A new build home that effortlessly integrates light, landscape, and living, where interconnected spaces flow seamlessly with nature.