Glazing Vision

Gables House / CDC Studio

'Gables' is a thoughtfully designed low-impact home built for retired clients, embodying contemporary, sustainable, and accessible living while blending seamlessly into its village setting. The house balances modern comforts with the character of the local village, drawing inspiration from the traditional thatched barns found in the area. The design incorporates local materials such as flint, red brick, timber shutters, and estate fencing, with zinc elements to reflect the agricultural heritage of the land. The larger part of the home is set back to preserve views of the neighboring thatched barn and is intentionally low in height to respect the surrounding landscape and neighbors' sightlines. The layout features low-lying, folding glazed volumes that provide 200m² of flexible living space, ideal for the couple's daily needs and accommodating larger gatherings and family visits. The home is arranged around an inviting curved hallway leading to an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space, with a steel rod-hung mezzanine offering acoustic comfort and a sense of enclosure in the kitchen. The use of silver fir timber and acoustic felt on the roofline creates a warm, inviting atmosphere in the high-volume spaces. The design also includes a master suite with a private patio, a separate guest suite, and a mezzanine sitting area with a rooflight that opens to the outdoors. Sustainable features include air source heat pumps, photovoltaics, wood wool insulation, and solar shading to manage heat. The property incorporates water rills and a salvaged water trough for sustainable gardening. The clients are proud of their new home, appreciating the perfect combination of imagination and persistence from the design team at CDC studio.