Lake House, Ghyllheugh, Northumberland

Working closely with Newcastle architects Reid Jubb Brown, we developed a vision and strategy for the 55 hectare, historically significant and ecologically rich estate which surrounds this innovative new house.

Furthermore, we designed the immediate setting to Lake House, including a dramatic natural swimming pond, cascade and arrival court. The philosophy behind our design hinges on two key themes - the extension of the ancient geometry which underpins the elliptical form of the buildings, and the blending of its structure into its natural setting.

The building, constructed as a series of sculpted shell forms using timber gridshell technology, was designed, in conjunction with the landscape, under the auspices of Planning Policy Statement 7 (PPS7). The scheme was the first PPS7 dwelling in planning history to be granted consent without going to appeal, and is due for construction - under the watchful eye of Channel Four's 'Grand Designs' team - in Spring 2010.