Planning approval has been received for ‘The Pines’, a bespoke four bedroom home by award winning, Winchester based architects AR Design Studio. This replacement dwelling within the New Forest National Park seeks to rebalance the relationship between the house and its plot, giving space back to the surrounding landscape and fostering an improved connection between the two.
Neighbouring an SSSI, an ancient monument and situated within the New Forest National Park, this challenging planning context required a careful and considered design approach. Ensuring that any proposals would give something back to the National Park and offer a substantial improvement over the existing site condition was paramount to achieving a successful outcome. A strategy of naturalising the site, together with a strong material response to its context was key and as a result the proposal was well supported throughout the planning process.
The Plot, within the Beaulieu Estate, rests on the edge of dense woodland. The coniferous woodland forms the western boundary while the east faces out onto open heathland. This border condition informed the layout of the house, weaving these two landscapes in and around key spaces. At ground floor, the house is broken down into three stone clad volumes containing the living, sleeping and service spaces. These are connected via glazed links that break down the boundaries between the interior, exterior and the park beyond. These volumes are carefully arranged to provide distinction between the more public arrival into the site and the private garden and woodlands to the rear.
Atop these blocks is a fourth, metal clad box that caps a double height entrance space, flooding the heart of the house with natural light. Located within this upper volume is a private snug and master bedroom which take advantage of rich views into the woodland canopy and long views over the heathlands and the park beyond.
The use of stone and metal, together with a soft and natural landscaping approach helps to create a house that blends into its surroundings. Lightweight boundary conditions remove hard edges, giving the impression of the house being nestled amongst the woods. The material selection references the local ‘tin town’ heritage, as well as that of the Purbecks and the New Forest to create a dwelling that belongs to its setting.
Given the complexities of achieving approvals with the National Park, AR Design Studio are thrilled to receive the decision without objection and look forward to starting the build early next year.
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