Explore this luxury contemporary house overlooking the Surrey Hills
Baufritz created this bespoke property inspired by Japanese architecture to capture the stunning south-facing views in Buckinghamshire
After staring at the unfinished mess of a half-completed self-build project from years previously, David and Susan Graylings decided to have a go for themselves.
Clearing up the mess wasn’t their only motivation to acquire the site for their prefabricated property in Surrey, though.
David explains: “The site had real potential as the views and location are magnificent.
“We had a great opportunity to create a property with complementary landscaping that would work well together.”
“Initially the project was a bespoke one and progressed with our architect, and quantity surveyor to provide costings. But it was clear early on that the design and the site were complex and there were risks in the execution.
“But we already had the actual planning for the bespoke house approved at this stage, so I decided to take the plans to Baufritz as I could see they had achieved interesting configurations and projects in Europe.”
Baufritz was definitely the right decision for the couple, and the project – especially with delays and extra hurdles to conquer when the Covid19 pandemic took hold.
The completed contemporary house overlooking the beautiful Surrey Hills in Buckinghamshire is something special.
Offering luxury living from floor to ceiling, this prefabricated property boasts 640 square metres of bespoke building across three floors.
Read on to discover more of David’s story and the inner workings of this beautiful property…
Photo: Baufritz
A great working relationship
“Baufritz rose to the challenge of our project and were able to demonstrate that they could provide a build solution which had complete integrity with the original design we wanted.
There were very few changes needed to the original planning approval.
“Their approach also meant the budget had a high degree on certainty.
Finally, the visit to their design and manufacturing centre in Germany cemented our confidence, and a beautiful working relationship was born.” David fondly recalls.
Don’t be fooled though, it wasn’t entirely smooth-sailing on the project as the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic played out, disrupting supply chains and normal operations being halted and restarted throughout the process.
Baufritz ‘sampling’ process went ahead just before the pandemic hit, then the house was scheduled in their planning.
That gave about 12 months to prepare the groundworks and there was excellent liaison between our groundworks team, Eclipse and Baufritz – the house itself ‘arrived’ onsite and the assembly over a just a few days.
David tells us: “It really was a sight to behold – and it meant a watertight workplace for all the follow-on trades from the outset.
“All the Baufritz team were professional, highly skilled and nice to have around.
“Of course it took them several months once the shell of the property is up to complete their tasks.
“We then fitted out the property and proceeded with the landscaping which took a further year.
“During the period following the house commissioning Baufritz were always responsive and I would say the snagging was minimal.
“It really is exceptional build quality and they continue to look after us today with any issues or queries we have.”
Photo: Baufritz
A special project
Close to London, yet in the middle of unspoilt nature this light-flooded home has plenty of space for entertaining with a whopping 300m² of living space.
David is a successful businessman, and Susan who is involved in charity work, wanted a country retreat that was luxurious yet offered plenty of space for contemplation.
Their design choice is a unique combination of natural surroundings, taking advantage of the stunning views in the area of outstanding natural beauty.
It’s something special to look at, viewed from the air the three interconnected buildings form a H.
The ensemble consists of the two-storey west wing, the single-storey east wing and the single-storey connecting building.
Photo: Baufritz
Upside down format
Designed in a unique ‘upside-down’ format, the bedrooms in this property are on the lower floor, with the open-plan kitchen and living space above.
It’s known as an inverted house, with the floor plan making use of the hillside location.
This is also a perfect home for family get-togethers, with different seating areas that make the most of the amazing views on the sloping site.
The front elevation of this modern house is designed to reflect the street scene, with the rear elevation of the property incorporating two balconies and boasting large areas of glass which capture the stunning evening sunsets.
The furniture, colours and wallpaper, outdoor areas and water features convey Japanese flair.
The blend of inside and outside is beautiful, with the entire ensemble of house and garden landscape showcasing it.
Photo: Baufritz
Japanese design
There is a lot of inspiration taken from Japanese architecture in this property, with a combination of clean aesthetics with tranquil spaces for contemplation.
The master bedroom is in a separate wing, which is joined by a flat-roofed hallway section and has a Japanese-style lounge.
David explains: “I have always admired and being attracted to a Japanese aesthetic – and with a feeling of organic connection between the house and the garden.
“A feeling of calm, a feeling of cohesiveness, a feeling of nature. The landscaping elements were as much a part of the project as the house and outbuildings themselves.”
Thus continuing the theme, the oriental flair extends into the outdoor areas, with terraces and calming elements including a water feature.
Similarly, there is a pocket garden with a flat, green roof to encourage biodiversity and create a haven for insects and bees.
The two wings of the house are linked by a fully glazed structure on both sides.
This allows the indoor and outdoor spaces to merge with sliding windows that open out onto the Japanese-style garden.
There is a lounge area separated from the hallway by frameless glass doors, with the main feature of the space being two striking murals of Koi fish which continue the Japanese theme.
Photo: Baufritz
Open spaces
The entire first floor of the main wing of the house contain a generous, open plan kitchen, a living and dining area.
The large end window packs in plenty of natural daylight, whilst also offering beautiful views over the Surrey Hills. It’s a special place to entertain guests.
In the East Wing, the master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and dressing room is set apart from the main living area.
This large, open space has floor-ceiling windows which overlook the tranquil outdoor area.
Photo: Baufritz
Magical nature spots
The entire home and garden design including path through the old trees, with raised beds and a dome that serves as a greenhouse.
Alongside this, the tea house, several terraces and the sauna with a stunning view over the valley was intentionally designed as a single unit.
“I think our favourite part of the home is the link rooms, and how they open on the one side into the view of the valley, the infinity path to the Tea House and beautiful field maple.
“The other side of the inner courtyard with monolithic wood effect concrete walls with the water feature and tree ferns that are 75 years old are really something.
“The sliding glazing opens front to back so you can wander from both gardens through the house. The link rooms also have Koi murals and a really relaxing space.
“At dusk you can sit and watch the bats skim the garden – that really is magical.
“There are just so many spaces at Graylings that I love.
“From the Solar dome in the kitchen garden to the amazing views from the main living area where you can see birds flying below you and the sky always changing. It really is something special.” David shares.
Within this project, the house and garden were designed as one. With tranquil spaces and corners consciously created in both to create spaces for contemplation and relaxation.
A running water feature creates low-level white noise with a calming effect, while the landscaped gardens have been designed with nature at the forefront – providing green spaces which create homes for butterflies and bees.
As the couple are keen gardeners, a separate section of the outdoors has been designed for gardening with raised beds and the greenhouse.
Photo: Baufritz
