Making the most of context and assets
What an opportunity this site presents. The site is located on the River Thames, in the idyllic town of Goring on Thames and was once home to a tennis pavilion and several tennis courts. Although the site has direct access to the River Thames, a range of large Yew and Hornbeam trees blocked any main direct views to the river, so the overriding design concept was to give the river more presence at the building end of the site.
This has been done by cutting a new inlet into the land, for private mooring, and then meandering water (or a sense of it) up through the gardens and under the building, ultimately for the user to step over as they enter the front door.
The site is in an active flood plain so very careful technical thought has gone into flood resilience should an event occur and to get agreement with the Environment Agency. A simple cantilever box, in a burnt larch finish, hangs over a strong brick base, with extensive glazing to make the most of new views and vistas created by the proposed landscape setting.
A cinema, gym and spa, library, extensive living space, and separate annex make up the accommodation.
It is a highly insulated framed building, air tight, with MvHr, solar panels, air source heat pumps, and adjustable solar shading to capture but not be hindered by the wonderful setting and aspect.
