The curvaceous house has been commissioned by an affluent couple seeking a new home that is “luxurious, environmentally-friendly and playful.” It was a design challenge relished by up-and-coming architectural practice Baca Architects. The client presented the London-based architects with a simple proposition: ‘Why live in a box? Our cars are streamlined, soft in form and luxurious – why can’t our new house follow the same philosophy?’ From this unusual brief grew an exuberant design for a 21st century country house: a hidden retreat, designed for entertaining, and set within and around a beautiful landscaped garden. The vision is a sculptural property that stretches the boundaries of design, structure, and environmental thinking. It achieves a combination often difficult to resolve: a home that is ultra low in energy use but also high in aesthetic aspiration and quality. The architects are hoping the house, titled Serenity, will push the boundaries of environmental and architectural design; develop technological innovations that will inform future buildings in the UK and produce a beautiful country house that will be enjoyed by generations to come.