A home that opens to landscape and light


Our clients had lived for years in a house perched on a dramatic, steeply sloping site in Esher. While the location was exceptional, the house was not, awkwardly arranged, dark, and cut off from its garden. The clients loved the land but felt constrained by the building, which occupied the most usable part of the plot and blocked views front to back.

They came to us with a clear vision: a contemporary family home that would unlock the potential of the site, connect with nature, and offer both openness and privacy. The new house needed to serve the everyday rhythms of a large, active family, while quietly celebrating the beauty of the place.


“Frank and I fell in love with the house the first time we set foot in here, signed contracts in under a fortnight and have loved every moment of our time here. We have been blown away by the very clever design and the acoustic is as good as any concert hall.  This has been a huge joy for both of us.  The shadows, the privacy, the expanse of nature and the clever way each room enjoys complete privacy without encroaching on the neighbouring properties.

We would be delighted should you wish to visit here and we would then be able to express our endless enthusiasm for the architecture and your combined cleverness in achieving this triumph. Thank you for the many happy days.”

Winner - RIBA Award  
Winner - BD Architect of the Year Award - One-off Dwelling
Winner - Best Residential Design - Daily Telegraph Home Building and Renovation Award




















We reimagined the site by placing the house along the boundary, freeing up the heart of the garden and restoring a visual and physical flow across the landscape. The building’s long, linear plan draws the eye outward and allows the land to fall away beneath it, creating long views and carefully calibrated relationships with neighbouring properties.

The ground floor is open but varied, social spaces shift in scale and mood, creating both convivial gathering areas and quiet corners. A double-height dining space forms the central anchor, with a sculptural stair leading to the upper level. The master suite is placed at one end, the children’s bedrooms at the other, each with private views into the tree canopy. A gallery-like corridor connects them, showcasing the clients’ art collection. Natural materials, including a continuous limestone floor and full-height glazing, dissolve boundaries between inside and out.

The completed house is calm, expansive, and quietly confident. Its linear form and thoughtful positioning allow light, landscape, and privacy to coexist with ease. Internally, each space is distinct yet connected, carefully composed to balance openness with retreat, and everyday life with a sense of occasion.

The house now feels fully integrated with its setting, allowing the garden, topography and long views to shape the daily experience of living there. It’s a home designed to evolve with its family, and to celebrate the qualities of space, light and stillness.





















@ Paul Tyagi