The aim of this project was to create a contemporary, luxurious house using subtle, modern techniques and traditional materials. The design offers a unique combination, evoking comfort and indulgence blended with simplicity and sophistication.
Situated in a 12 acre site adjacent to the River Thames, Bishops Close is a new-build, 900 square metre detached home in Berkshire. It features a private entrance courtyard, outdoor swimming pool, out buildings and tennis court. Built in steel, glass, timber and flint, with nearly 10,000 square feet of living space, the house is spread over two floors. It offers six bedrooms.
Replacing a much smaller dwelling, the entrance of the house features a pair of Grade I-listed, metal gates that leads to an enclosed flint-walled central-courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by the two wings of the house and its out-buildings. An enclosed reflecting pool is featured at the courtyard entrance, which leads to a double height entrance space. This hall is located between two blocks of glazed single-aspect rooms that offer north-western views of the countryside.
The gardens next to the house feature an infinity-edged swimming pool and a tennis court. The landscaping follows a ‘simple, semi-formal layout’ which leads on to the extensive grounds and open-countryside beyond.
Unlike modern households, the Bishops Close interiors are designed as warm as well as elegant. Featuring simple interior finish, the house incorporates subtle, modern techniques and traditional materials in its construction. Superior fittings have been used throughout along with integrated sophisticated electronic technology.
Gregory Phillips Architects won the award under the Interior Design category on 19 September during a special Gala dinner held at the Grosvenor Marriott Hotel in London. The Bishops Close project has also achieved top prize in the Bespoke Luxury Living category of the Sunday Times 2012 British Homes Awards, with Gregory Phillips Architects also acclaimed as Architect of the Year.
The Sunday Times British Homes Awards are open to home builders, developers, housing associations, architects and interior designers who can compete within 11 contested categories.
