Paragraph 84 (Para 84)
House of The Woods
Nestled in a secluded woodland site, this Paragraph 84 home uses leaf-like roof forms and vertical timber cladding to blend seamlessly into its natural setting while maximising light and views.
New Build
A Timber Home Shaped by Light and Trees
Nestled within a mature self-seeded woodland, House of the Woods is a bespoke Paragraph 84 dwelling currently on our drawing board. Conceived to revitalise a deteriorating woodland block, the home draws directly from the qualities, rhythms and character of its forest setting, creating an architecture that feels intrinsically connected to the landscape. Overlapping roof forms take inspiration from the gentle layering of fallen leaves, while the exposed timber structure echoes the verticality and rhythm of the surrounding trees. Carefully positioned skylights bring natural light deep into the heart of the home, illuminating the central gathering spaces and enhancing the connection between inside and out. Designed to optimise both near and far-reaching woodland views, the result is a contemporary, low-impact family home that balances sustainability, beauty and a deep respect for its natural setting.
Image gallery
Responding to the woodland block
Timber plays a central role in both the architectural expression and structural strategy of the project. The exposed timber grid-shell structure celebrates the natural properties of the material, bringing warmth, texture and craftsmanship to the building while establishing a strong connection to the woodland environment. The structure responds to timber’s inherent strength and flexibility, creating spaces that feel both robust and organic. The vertical rhythm of the woodland also influenced the external appearance of the home. Cladding elements reflect the varied spacing and upright character of the tree trunks, creating a façade that echoes the woodland’s layered texture. This subtle interpretation helps the building sit comfortably within its surroundings while maintaining a contemporary architectural identity.
Banner image
Image gallery
Inspired by fallen leaves
Above, a series of overlapping roof forms draw inspiration from the gentle layering of fallen leaves across the forest floor. Their angled, irregular composition references the seasonal changes within the woodland, introducing movement and depth to the roofscape while breaking down the overall mass of the building.
Banner image
Sketches
These initial concept sketches bring the vision for House of the Woods to life, positioning the home within a tranquil clearing beneath the woodland canopy. Inspired by the character of the self-seeded oak woodland, the design responds directly to the site’s natural rhythms, avoiding rigid geometry in favour of a more organic architectural composition. The concept is shaped around the experience of being immersed within the woodland. Carefully positioned openings preserve key views across the site, connecting occupants with the surrounding glades, mature trees and distant landscape beyond
These initial concept sketches bring the vision for House of the Woods to life, positioning the home within a tranquil clearing beneath the woodland canopy. Inspired by the character of the self-seeded oak woodland, the design responds directly to the site’s natural rhythms, avoiding rigid geometry in favour of a more organic architectural composition. The concept is shaped around the experience of being immersed within the woodland. Carefully positioned openings preserve key views across the site, connecting occupants with the surrounding glades, mature trees and distant landscape beyond
The Plan
The arrangement of the building plan takes inspiration from the irregular positioning of the surrounding oak trees. Described as a self-seeded woodland, the site lacks the formal order of a planted forest, and this informed an architectural composition that avoids rigid grids and rectilinear planning. Instead, the various building elements are loosely arranged, mirroring the natural distribution of trunks and canopies across the landscape.
The arrangement of the building plan takes inspiration from the irregular positioning of the surrounding oak trees. Described as a self-seeded woodland, the site lacks the formal order of a planted forest, and this informed an architectural composition that avoids rigid grids and rectilinear planning. Instead, the various building elements are loosely arranged, mirroring the natural distribution of trunks and canopies across the landscape.
Dappled lighting
The experience of light within the house is similarly informed by the character of the woodland itself. Brighter, taller spaces respond to the open glades where sunlight filters through the canopy, while more enclosed areas provide a sense of shelter and intimacy, echoing the atmosphere found amongst the trees. Together, these qualities create a home that is deeply rooted in its landscape and responsive to the changing conditions of the natural environment.
Mixed image gallery
Views and experiences
Throughout the design process, key views across the site have been preserved and enhanced. Openings and spaces are carefully positioned to frame views towards the northern valley, the western glades and a significant veteran oak to the south, ensuring a constant visual connection to the surrounding woodland.
Banner image