Williamson House
Certified Larch
Located within a conservation area and Flood Zone 3, this replacement build was designed to sit within an existing walled enclosure near the centre of Leamington Spa. The project brief required a three-bedroom house that would complement the nearby white Regency-style houses and incorporate flood resilience, whilst providing a contemporary aesthetic.
The design features a single-storey structure elevated on brick piers and arranged in an L-shaped plan to subtly echo the character of the enclosing garden walls. Two distinct wings are connected by a glazed entrance hall, the first includes three bedrooms and bathrooms, all offering views of the rising sun across the water meadow. The second wing, positioned at a right angle, accommodates the living spaces beneath a mono-pitched roof. The frontage is fully glazed opening onto the south-facing garden with high windows to frame the surrounding tree canopies.
Future provisions were thoughtfully integrated, and sustainability was a core priority, with the heart of the design centred around an outdoor pool and kitchen area. The house and pool are powered by air source heat pumps, and the landscape architecture combines areas of wildflower and productive garden planting. FSC certified Larch cladding was specified for its inherent durability and versatility in accepting coatings. Finished in a bespoke white factory coating, the cladding reflects the Regency vernacular, blending this contemporary home into its historic surroundings.
Certified Larch, purchased pre-conflict, was supplied for this project in early 2022. Supply of this product has since ceased due to the ongoing conflict and associated international sanctions. As a result, Millworks now source Larch from Canada and offer BC Larch, a high-quality alternative to Siberian Larch that offers comparable durability and a similar aesthetic grade.
Kiln dried at source, BC Larch is well-suited for exterior applications thanks to its natural density and resistance to decay. It is available with a range of factory-applied coatings for superior UV protection and immediate on-site colour. Our in-house MillCoat system is available in a variety of standard colours, with custom shades also available on request to match project-specific design requirements.
