The client approached the project with a clear ambition: to create a home capable of supporting the complexities of a large, sociable family while remaining deeply personal and achieving a genuine sense of ‘wow factor’. We were involved from a vey early stage, and as the property was built entirely from the ground up, this provided a rare opportunity to design every element with complete cohesion, shaping both architecture and interiors precisely around the family’s lifestyle.

With grown children frequently returning from university, overseas family visiting regularly and a household that entertains often, the home needed to function effortlessly without ever feeling overwhelming or disjointed. The brief called for generous social spaces balanced by quieter areas for retreat, with a layout that allowed each family member to feel both connected and independent.

Equally important was the client’s desire for a distinctive design language. Having explored numerous completed houses and studied previous projects extensively, he had a strong appreciation for bespoke architectural detailing and wanted ideas that pushed beyond familiar residential solutions. An affinity for contrast, sculptural form and bold materiality emerged early on, with a preference for rich stones, expressive metalwork and highly crafted surfaces. This appetite for individuality became a defining aspect of the scheme.

Technology was also integral to the brief, particularly within the entertainment and basement spaces. AV perfomance, acoustic control and tailored lighting were essential, yet always carefully concealed within a refined interior architecture. Ultimately, the brief demanded a layered, sophisticated and completely bespoke home, capable of hosting large gatherings while offering moments of privacy and a design identity unique to this family.