This house is a response to a client with an interest in contemporary architecture and a mature garden landscape in a semi-rural setting. The house plan is resolved within three zones : habitable rooms to the front; a circulation gallery along the rear; and a storage and services zone through the middle. On the ground floor, the circulation zone leads through the service zone into the kitchen and dining and living room areas. The driveway on the ground floor separates the adult children?s accommodation from the rest of the house; at first floor level the two areas are connected by a glazed bridge. The construction is a lightweight, insulated, exposed concrete frame, with loadbearing blockwork walls finished in insulating render and plaster. Argon filled, double glazed units are set flush within the very large window openings, which are shaded by external louvers suspended on stainless steel cables. Internally, concealed electric roller blinds provide privacy when required. The house is naturally ventilated, with gas-fired underfloor perimeter heating.