The Woodlands
For an artist, a magnolia and Ivy
This project is designed for an artist seeking to deepen the calm, contemplative quality of their home. A modest extension and garden studio offer a quiet backdrop to both creative projects and daily living.
A playful golden retriever and a much-loved magnolia tree further shape the brief, with durable finishes and a central garden view being equally integral to the design response.
Project details
Client
Private client
Location
Esher, Elmbridge
Area
185 square meters
Type
Residential
The rear extension is a near-cubic volume holding a generous dining space. Above, a feature skylight and exposed structural joists invite natural light and texture. In front, a framed view of the magnolia and surrounding planting anchors the room in the garden. To the side, glazed doors open directly onto the new patio, allowing the space to flow seamlessly from inside out.
Thoughtful, crafted interventions can transform the everyday. Here, a new timber-frame extension and garden studio use split glazing panels to minimise the use of steel and frame views of the garden. An existing garage was repurposed, reducing demolition and embodied carbon, while external insulation and sedum roofs improve energy performance and biodiversity. The result is a calm, enduring home where a renewed connection to the garden defines every detail.
