The Vawdrey House
The picturesque village in the south-eastern corner of the New Forest is a charming blend of history and modernity.
With its mix of old honey-coloured cottages, red brick, and timber-framed buildings alongside contemporary architecture, it offers a visual feast. The high street is lined with artisan shops and boutiques, adding to the village’s allure, all set against the stunning backdrop of the New Forest National Park.
The Vawdrey House Vision
Amidst this idyllic setting, a modernist house, designed with expansive open spaces, floods of natural light, and an all-white interior, stands as a testament to cutting-edge architecture.
The Vawdrey House, known for its impressive architectural work in the New Forest region, took on the project with great enthusiasm. Partnering with Inglis Hall, a trusted collaborator, they embarked on a mission to reimagine and revitalise the property. The goal was to create a home that harmoniously blended with its enchanting forest surroundings.
Bringing the design to life
The design concept drew from various influential design movements, including Mid-century, Japandi, Art Deco, and the works of Frank Lloyd Wright. This fusion resulted in a space that combines beauty, functionality, and clean lines, emphasising natural materials, textures, and organic details.
A standout feature of the house is the impressive 4-metre island in the kitchen, topped with ‘Black Diamond’ Richlite worktops—a dense, compressed paper product known for its durability. This island is ingeniously joined by a solid brass blade inspired by Japanese Kintsugi, celebrating rather than concealing the connection. Additionally, raw brass SZ-2 woven mesh panels, specified by us, add a touch of ‘Roberts Radio’ chic.
The kitchen design aimed to create a comfortable, safe, and anchored feeling in the vast space, achieving a seamless blend of old and new. The Vawdrey House team successfully delivered a living finish for a living material, bringing the outside in and transforming the property from good to great.
