Reed House
South Oxfordshire
PROJECT TYPE: Principal Contractor
ARCHITECTURE: Richard Parr Associates
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: BTA Structural Design
QUANTITY SURVEYING: PT Projects
JOINERY: Barr Kitchens / Barr Joinery
LANDSCAPING: Nicholsons
OVERVIEW: Working to the unique architectural designs of Richard Parr Associates, Barr Group were privileged to act as principal contractor for the ‘from-scratch’ build of this modern family residence, set on a wild countryside plot at the foot of the Chiltern Hills.
Drawing on the local farmhouse typology, the home features a sloped roof brick structure clad with charred timber and topped with corrugated metal roofing.
The purpose of the scheme was to frame the views of the surrounding landscape, opening each room up to panoramic views, and to offer ‘separate but together’ family living.
The 350-square-metre home is split into two distinct wings fronted with continuous ‘monolithic’ brick walls; each build a single entity from which the rest of the building exists. This central brick double-seam wall, exposed inside and out, is a statement of strength and warmth, balancing the cool whites, greys and blackened timbers of the protruding surfaces.
“The local vernacular of farm buildings informs both the proportions and choice of materials - brick, concrete, corrugated roofing, corten steel and charred timber.”
Around the house, a series of pig slat and gravel footpaths wind through the grounds, accessing the property's various outbuildings and a wild swimming pool, naturally filtered by reads and flanked by a natural timber deck.
A glazed link connecting the two wings centres the home. Wrapped with floor-to-ceiling windows, it visually and physically connects to front and back enclosed courtyards, which, in turn, open out onto wild gardens accessed by a series of meandering footpaths.
The large family wing contains an open-plan kitchen centred by a curved, black-stained ash kitchen island, along with a dining area and living space. Sliding doors in the living area lead out to an adjacent, sheltered outdoor seating area, complete with a wood-burning stove and a bench that runs along the length of the brick wall.
“We specified a deep stain on the exterior timber, to achieve a homogenous colour. It took a lot of effort, but the result was a wonderful evenness that still showed the woodgrain through. Attention to detail here was key.”
Inside, sliding doors connecting separate segments of the house offer the flexibility to enhance privacy or increase connectedness within the home, as required. Throughout the interior, polished concrete floors are complemented by lime plaster walls, stained ash joinery and wool ceilings, along with doorways lined with corten steel.
In the second wing, a light-filled main bedroom and guest bedrooms are wrapped by sliding doors leading out to private patios. Hedge and tree planting channel views of the landscape while increasing the privacy for the residents.
"The dedicated Barr Build team worked alongside our specialist subcontractors, and in partnership with Barr Kitchens and Barr Joinery, to bring this exceptional project to fruition," says Construction Director David Noonan. "As with all Barr Group projects, stringent planning and collaborative working were key to ensuring a successful project of which the whole Barr Group team can be extremely proud.”
We thank our clients, Richard Parr Associates and PT Projects, for trusting us to deliver this exceptional project.
The Ridings
The Hide
