- Project: Sandway House
- Architect: Outset Think
- Location: United Kingdom, Farnham
- Year: 2023
- Area: 285 m2
Sandway House by Outset Think
Located in the Green Belt of Surrey’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sandway House is a contemporary dwelling by Outset Think that draws inspiration from formal English walled gardens and minimalist Japanese courtyard houses. Completed in 2023, the residence reflects a commitment to honest materiality, craftsmanship, and the seamless blending of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Privacy at the Front, Openness at the Back
The house presents a defensive front façade, emphasizing privacy and security for the residents. Yet as one moves through the compressed, dimly lit entrance, the architecture unfolds into expansive, light-filled interiors.
At the rear, the house opens up to a covered terrace for year-round alfresco living, where sliding glass doors create a continuous flow between the central living areas and landscaped gardens.
Spatial Organization
The layout is organized around a central living space, the heart of the home, with dedicated wings for the master suite and guest bedrooms. This arrangement provides privacy while maintaining strong connections to the outdoors.
The gallery-like entrance hall, illuminated by a dramatic skylight, contrasts with the intimate, low-ceilinged entry zone, highlighting the transition from enclosure to openness. The main living areas are bright, spacious, and connected to the garden, while more private zones offer a sense of intimacy and retreat.
Materiality and Craftsmanship
Sandway House employs a restricted yet expressive material palette:
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Corten steel, providing warmth and a sculptural presence.
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Stone cladding, with earthy rust tones that complement the corten and extend inside as accent features.
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Concrete surfaces, balancing solidity with refined detailing.
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Walnut and bespoke ply joinery, handcrafted for each room to offer storage and warmth while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
The restrained palette enhances the dialogue between architecture and landscape, allowing natural textures to define the atmosphere.
Integration with Nature
The design intent was to blur the boundaries between house and garden. Garden-like stone walls weave through the site, framing views while allowing wildlife to move freely.
Openings in the walls link the front and rear gardens, while an extended roof canopy provides sheltered terraces. A green roof and trees passing through the roof structure further integrate the house with the landscape, softening its presence and reinforcing its connection to nature.
A Warm Minimalist Sanctuary
Sandway House succeeds in creating a residence that is both protective and welcoming. Its defensive front contrasts with the openness of the rear, offering security without sacrificing connection to the outdoors. The house’s material richness, spatial variety, and strong landscape integration make it a timeless example of contemporary minimalist architecture in the English countryside.
