Hillside House
Timber-Clad Eco-Pavilion in AONB
This timber-clad residence is positioned within a secluded walled garden at the foot of Hambledon Hill. The dwelling’s vantage point offers unique views over the rolling hills of the Blackmore Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Commissioned by a private client, the project’s brief aimed to create a high-performance, low-impact residence.
Project Director: Sean Daly
Project Leads: Mark Senior, Mark Christopher, Lotta Woodland
Planning Consultant: CL Planning
Contractor: Harbarn Developments
The starting point of the project was to establish a residential use on the site. This was completed via a certificate of lawfulness whereby existing stable buildings were converted to residential. Once the use was established, DMW were able to work on options to explore the siting of the new dwelling. A key feature of the site was a Victorian walled garden, which provided privacy and principal focus for the house.
The central design concept for the dwelling revolves around creating a structure that offers intimacy and seclusion while making the most of its dramatic views. The layout is organised around a central living space, flanked by private rooms at either end, offering a natural flow between public and private zones. The use of large-format glazing along the southern elevation frames the views, while the sheltered terrace offers a year-round opportunity for outdoor living.
The construction process includes a combination of prefabricated elements for precision and speed, as well as bespoke timber-cladding and window detailing. The sheltered terrace is carefully designed to mitigate light spread (site falls within an AONB) and reduce energy consumption by maintaining comfortable conditions year-round.
The residence adopts a minimalist, contemporary aesthetic characterised by clean lines and simple geometries and black timber-cladding. The timber is locally sourced, ensuring that the materials have a minimal environmental footprint. The use of insulating timber, large format glazing and a living green roof, contribute to the building's high sustainablity standards.