View 1 – front elevation with view of glazed gable and patio

View 2 – rear elevation

View 3 – front & gable elevation

View 4 – gable patio elevation

View 5 – patio elevation with interior view of the living | dining |kitchen

View 6 – rear block housing bedrooms, tv/sitting room, utility room and office around reflection pond and glazed link

View 7 – view across wildlife garden of native shrubs and wild grasses

View 8 – outdoor entertaining/dining patio area under pergola

View 9 – gable view from garage

View 10 – view of patio & front elevation

The GROVE HOUSE

This rural dwelling presents a modern yet rustic architectural design that beautifully integrates with its secluded woodland setting. The house, characterized by a blend of contemporary lines and natural materials, offers a serene retreat that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.
 
Architectural Design and Materials
The house features a sleek, modern aesthetic with sharp, clean lines and a simple black and white colour scheme. The two-storey block housing the bedrooms and a separate tv/sitting room is clad in black metal panels, which lend it a contemporary rural edge. This choice of material not only enhances the modern look but also ensures durability and low maintenance. This rear block is linked to the front single storey block by an all-glass link. The front block is finished in all traditional materials including white render and natural slate and houses the living, dining room and kitchen. This choice of materials provides a striking contrast to the black metal, creating a balanced visual appeal.
 
Roof Design and Structure
The roof is one of the standout features of the design, utilizing a steep, pitched roofline typical of traditional rural homes but executed with modern materials and techniques. The metal wall and roof cladding in particular enhances the house’s sleek, modern look.
 
Integration with Nature
The dwelling is strategically positioned in meadowland against the back drop of dense woodland, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its environment. Large areas of glazing are a key design feature, that ensures that the interior is bathed in natural light while also offering expansive views of the surrounding trees and landscape. The use of glass also serves to blur the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors, creating a sense of living within nature.
 
Outdoor Spaces
The design includes thoughtfully planned outdoor spaces, such as a wooden pergola over the patio, not only adds rustic charm but provides a pefect relaxation area for social gatherings. The pergola’s wooden beams contrast with the modern materials of the house, adding warmth and a touch of traditional craftsmanship to the design. Additionally, the surrounding landscaping is minimal yet effective, with native plants and shrubs that enhance the natural beauty of the location without overpowering it.
 
Functional Layout
The house is designed for practical living, with a layout that maximizes space and functionality. The combination of a single-story and a two-story block that separates the living and sleeping areas, is common in modern rural homes and echoes the separation of the living quarters from the barn/store houses found in many traditional farmhouses. The glass connections between both parts of the house not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also serves the functional purpose of bridging the gap between the two wings of the house.
 
Environmental Considerations
Given the secluded woodland setting, the design incorporates several sustainable and environmentally friendly features including solar panels and an air source heat pump. The choice of superinsulated walls, roofing and cladding indicates our focus on durability and energy efficiency with the aim of reducing the need for artificial heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. The use of native plants in the landscaping also demonstrates our awareness of the local ecosystem, ensuring that the house has minimal impact on its environment.
 
Conclusion
Overall, this rural dwelling is a rich blend of modern design and traditional elements, tailored to its secluded woodland setting. The use of durable materials, the thoughtful integration with the natural surroundings, and the functional yet aesthetically pleasing layout make it an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquillity and a deep connection with nature. The house not only offers comfort and modern amenities but also fosters a sense of harmony with the natural world, making it a perfect example of contemporary rural architecture.

House Design 2 Derry Architect Stunning Rural House Design | USONIA ARCHITECTS LTD © 2024