A 1930s bungalow sat on this private wooded lot in the New Forest prior to Ström Architects being hired to design a two-story residence named Woodpeckers. The London-based homeowners desired a comfortable house they could escape to on the weekends – a place that would eventually become their permanent home. Their busy lives led them down the path to creating a retreat for themselves and friends, along with a place to garden and enjoy the outdoors.

The clients knew what they wanted as both work in the design field. They were looking for something that was stylish and simple, yet elegant at the same time with mid-century Scandinavian roots. Working with a tight budget, the architects had to find cost-saving measures in the building and structure of the house in order to afford the high-end finishes the couple asked for.
Large glass panes frame various views of the surrounding forest while allowing daylight to flood the interior. White surfaces don’t detract from the scenery, instead letting nature be the artwork.

Vertical larch wood panels clad the exterior as not to dramatically stand out in its countryside locale.

Photos by Luke Hayes.

...