This Concrete Home Buried in a Hillside in England Asks £2.9M
Nestled in the earth and sporting a green roof, this energy-efficient home in Gloucestershire includes a series of art studios.
Set in a sloping meadow on the edge of Brockweir, an English village dating back to the 13th century, the Outhouse is a Brutalist residence designed in 2015 by architects Loyn + Co. The home has received numerous awards, as well as recognition on the short lists for a RIBA Stirling prize and RIBA House of the Year in 2016.
Set on a sloping plot in Gloucestershire, the 5,000-square-foot Outhouse lives in harmony with the Forest of Dean.
Photo courtesy of The Modern House
Described in The Architects Journal as "one of the most outstanding new houses in Britain in a decade," the 5,000-square-foot dwelling is split into two volumes, separated by a gallery hall.
Completed in 2015, the Brutalist home welcomes abundant natural light thanks to its long facade of floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Richly textured, antique furnishings contrast with black structural details and concrete finishings.
Photo courtesy of The Modern House
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The front of the home offers south-facing living spaces—including a dining area and kitchen, as well as two bedrooms. This zone is beautifully illuminated by a long, open facade, which captures far-reaching views of the valley and beyond.
Custom-designed blue cabinets span the kitchen, which also features top-of-the-line, stainless-steel appliances. An extended marble-topped island offers plenty of counter space for preparing meals and dining at the built-in table.
Photo courtesy of The Modern House
The light-filled gallery hall acts as an "arterial road," splitting up the main zones of the house.
Photo courtesy of The Modern House
The back of the property houses the third bedroom, in addition to a series of expansive art studios—each connected to an external courtyard garden. "These mirror the positions of the site’s original buildings in a reversal of form and purpose, providing private, sheltered spaces and a source of light and air throughout," notes the listing.
A peek inside one of the home’s spacious three bedrooms. Crisp white walls complement a concrete feature wall, while wide-planked hardwoods add a layer of warmth to the space.
Photo courtesy of The Modern House
While the home’s contemporary concrete form evokes a monolithic quality, it is also designed around energy efficiency. The residence includes whole-house ventilation with a ground source heat pump, solar thermal and photovoltaic panels, and underfloor heating, altogether achieving an EPC of 96/100. Scroll ahead to see more of the property, currently on the market for £2,895,000.
Along with a handmade wooden vanity, the bedroom also features an oversize soaking tub. A floor-to-ceiling picture window frames mesmerizing valley views.
Photo courtesy of The Modern House
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ShopArt studios are located along the back of the property. Illuminated by large skylights, these spaces also offer direct access to private gardens, which are bordered by an original stone wall.
Photo courtesy of The Modern House
A look at another bright and airy bedroom, which also leads directly to the outdoors.
Photo courtesy of The Modern House
At the main entrance, a large, paved carport offers a charging point for electric vehicles.
Photo courtesy of The Modern House
Through its use of sleek, horizontal lines, Outhouse appears embedded within the natural landscape.
Photo courtesy of The Modern House
The home’s impressive green roof also allows it to nearly disappear into the surrounding meadows.
Photo courtesy of The Modern House
Outhouse is currently listed for £2,895,000 (~$3,725,000) by The Modern House.
Project Credits:
Architects: Loyn + Co.
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