A sprawling 7,000 sqft new build replacement country house in a glorious Green Belt setting on top of Winter Hill in Cookham, spread over four floors including basement.

HAA developed the concept designs and achieved planning permission through several applications, almost doubling the permissible floor area of the original building on this site.

The designs had to overcome constraints of protected ancient oak trees and extensive root protection areas near the proposed building footprint.

The building was designed in conjunction with structural and building services engineers to achieve a rating of ‘net zero carbon – operational’, with a piled lightweight steel structure and applied ‘fabric first’ principle which exceeds required levels of building insulation and glazing specifications. PV panels and ground source heat pumps will generate sufficient on-site renewable energy to meet the demand.

The design is conceptualized as an H plan with two wings extending out to each side of the central triple height staircase hall. Ancillary spaces such as a 500sqft outdoor kitchen and guest bedroom and study are accommodated in these single storey wings, with the main living areas and bedrooms forming a compact nucleus, which both reduces energy consumption and makes this large house still feel homely.

Premium materials such as zinc roofing, green oak beams and structures, and triple glazed metal windows underline a sense of timeless quality.

HAA developed the full Stage 4 design and tender package, with the main contractor undertaking value engineering and contract management. Completion of construction is anticipated for 2027.