SHED

One of the building challenges was transportation through the steep and windy roads to the isolated site, which is 0.5km away from Cornwall, one of Connecticut's smallest towns.

The couple wanted their house to set a high standard in the London borough of Newham—an area that has long struggled with quality of housing. "We purchased the property due to the fact that it was originally a poorly looked after HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy) and needed a lot of TLC," explains Richard. "The house had so much going for it—you just had to look hard!"

A street view of the low-slung compound.

The maple kitchen cabinets are punctuated by leather and brass pulls.

The 5,200-square-foot retreat is designed to look like a cluster of old barns upon first glance.

All of the stonework and brick were repaired or replaced.

The expansive, cube-like Savion House is a multi-level family home designed by Neuman Hayner. The study floats above the kitchen in a lofted space that provides privacy and accessibility.