Oaklands - private home The design for this home responds to the particular constraints and opportunities of its prominent site. Set into a steep hillside around a protected oak tree at a junction between traditional homes and mid-C20th housing, a palate of traditional and modern materials in bold forms is used to provide a unique and distinctive contemporary home. We undertook a tree survey as a starting point, generating a landscape plan which presented gardens placed around the tree and defining its protection zone. Careful design of the building structure, which cantilevers out over the tree roots, was critical in enabling a substantial home to fit the site and crucial for obtaining planning consent. The result is a quirky light filled building which nestles into the hillside and wraps around the large oak tree. With a basement housing the garage and utility, a curved staircase connects split levels from the main reception area and kitchen. Open living spaces, and master bedroom above, enjoy elevated views across the town, with further bedrooms set into the bank at the rear of the site offering intimate views to the enclosed gardens. This project has influenced our approach to the conception and detailing of new homes, built to a high standard and providing comfortable spaces throughout the seasons with excellent energy efficiency. Our relationship continues with our client both on this and other projects.