Cedar House

Hidden down a private lane, walking distance to the Thames, and in the heart of Bray, Berkshire. Built in the 1950s, as a “one off” home, overlooking pony fields, this property was purchased by our Clients, as a project. The house had sat empty for a couple of years, before the appointment of David Herbert Architects, to undertake extensions, and a complete remodelling.

As part of the works, the ground and first floor, were simplified to “clean, neat, minimal layouts”, with services grouped together. The entrance was relocated, to bring guests into the heart of the home on arrival, allowing a glimpse of the fireplace, staircase and vibrant garden. The double height living space is centrally placed to work around the fireplace and enjoy the outlook. The kitchen partially masked by the fire,  spills out to an informal breakfast area, linking to the living space on one side, and decked area with fire pit to the other. Beyond is a contemporary fully glazed bay, which drifts from the plan to form a relaxing space, and a complete connection with the garden, its lawn, shrubs and trees. By contrast, to the opposite side of the living area, a contained dining space has been formed, with more controlled views to the garden, and adjoining fields. A modest picture window frames this view, along with a carefully cut square being removed from the dense boundary hedge.

At first, the climb up the stairs is rewarded on arrival by a gallery view onto the living space, and through a large opening out to the gardens and fields. All bedrooms leave the landing, incorporating bathrooms, and of course the views. From the master, a further hidden stair rises to a large open wardrobe/dressing area to the top floor.

The palette of materials has been kept simple throughout, with the external envelope finished in vertical cedar cladding, render and aluminium. The cedar making reference to part of the original dwelling, and the cedar trees still present.