The Woodland House
Siberian Larch (Larix decidua)
AR Design were approached by their clients who were seeking to relocate from the hustle and bustle of London to the tranquillity of rural Devon. Having previously lived in Grade II listed properties they were keen to create a high-quality new build house that was warm, airtight and most importantly, energy efficient.
The site lies within a pocket of houses surrounded by Forestry Commission conifer plantations; this deciduous woodland creates an enclosed, intimate setting during summertime but opens up to the valley in winter. The angular geometry responds to the views and contours of the site, growing in plan and elevation and mimicking the hillside undulations of the wider landscape. The geometry is reinforced through the choice of materials and detailing, with diagonal larch cladding accentuating the angles of each volume.
Slow grown in the cold climates of Northern Europe, Siberian Larch is a high-density softwood, suitable for a wide range of applications. Kiln dried at source and re-graded in house, this versatile timber species has a long and low maintenance service life.
Siberian Larch is pale in colour and when left to weather naturally fades to a subtle silver-grey. Although naturally durable, Siberian Larch can be finished with a Millcoat factory coating for enhanced performance and increased UV protection. Current stocks of Siberian Larch are entirely purchased pre-conflict and certified FSC® approved.
“We chose Millworks because they are a reliable company providing great service and great products.”
Jack Jeffreys – Architectural Designer, AR Design Studio
