- Project: Stour House
- Architect: Facit Homes
- Location: United Kingdom, London
- Year: 2019
- Area: 420 m2
- Photography: Martin Gardner
A Sensitive Response to Context
Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the outskirts of London, Stour House by Facit Homes exemplifies how contemporary design can harmonize with its natural setting. The 4,520-square-foot residence was conceived not only as a modern family home but also as a demonstration of innovative construction methods that balance sustainability, precision, and design sensitivity.
Modern Methods of Construction
Facit Homes, known for their pioneering use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), deployed their Facit MicroFactory™ directly on-site. This mobile fabrication system produced and assembled the home’s engineered wood chassis with exceptional precision and efficiency.
This approach reduced waste, improved performance, and created a high-performance structural system that underpins the residence’s design integrity.
Exterior Expression
The material palette ensures the home integrates naturally into its environment:
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Western red cedar cladding was selected for its natural warmth and ability to weather gracefully, blending into the landscape over time.
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Powder-coated aluminum panels and deep window reveals provide modern contrast and refined detailing.
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Expansive ground-floor glazing floods interiors with natural light and frames sweeping views of the nearby river.
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On the upper level, angled, splayed window reveals serve as architectural picture frames, highlighting the surrounding scenery.
The careful articulation of massing separates the ground and first floors visually, breaking down the scale of the home and ensuring it sits lightly within its setting.
Interior Design and Living Spaces
Inside, the home emphasizes spaciousness and unity:
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A large open-plan ground floor accommodates family life and entertaining, anchored by a dramatic double-height void above the dining area.
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The principal living spaces on the upper floor enjoy panoramic southern views, with the master suite extending to a private balcony.
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The polished micro-cement flooring throughout the ground floor creates a seamless, durable, and modern surface.
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A laser-cut steel staircase, softened by cedar-clad balustrades, becomes both a sculptural centerpiece and a tactile element.
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Cedar is repeated on the living room ceiling, adding warmth and texture to balance the sleek finishes.
A Modern Home in Harmony with Nature
The Stour House represents Facit Homes’ vision of integrating design innovation with environmental sensitivity. By combining advanced construction techniques with carefully chosen natural materials, the house offers its inhabitants a serene yet striking contemporary home—a residence that celebrates both modern living and the beauty of its natural setting.
