Danesfort includes two semi-sunken homes perched on a hill in Wroughton, Wiltshire designed by A’Bear & Ball Architects LLP. With four storeys, the properties capture the stunning views of the protected landscape beyond known as ‘Clouts Wood’ from each floor and from all of the main rooms in the home. Each unit includes four bedrooms with a kitchen/breakfast room reception room, game’s room, and carport.
These two homes offer contemporary living on the edge of countryside. The client is a developer, and one house was built for his family to live in, while the other was built for sale to help fund the entire project and is even expected to make a small profit.
Low energy design principles were followed in creating this scheme. The innovative concrete frame structure was utilised to ensure the property had a high thermal mass. Coupled with finding ways to control the solar gain, this has led to two extremely low energy dwellings. Both properties also have an eco-friendly bioethanol fireplace and 2.2kw photovoltaic solar system.
The high-quality contemporary design has been built out to the highest standard but at an incredibly modest budget. The end product has been well received from the clients, locals, and other consultants, and it was shortlisted as Residential Property of the Year at the 2022 Constructing Excellence South West Awards. Here’s a video by real estate company Antony Aslan showcasing one of the units at Danesfort.