Hidden House is a contemporary and sustainable new build family home in the Surrey Hills, replacing a dated 1960s bungalow with a modern design that responds carefully to both its landscape and the wider context of the North Downs.
The project set out to create a modern building that considers sustainability and environmental responsibility, while remaining sympathetic to the local vernacular and natural surroundings.
Positioned on a sloping site with expansive views across the North Downs, the house is designed to draw the landscape into the interior. Long views are framed from within, while the internal spaces are arranged to maintain a constant visual connection with the surrounding hillside and garden. The architecture flows with the natural contours of the site, allowing the building to sit comfortably and quietly within its setting.
Material choice plays a central role in anchoring the house to its location. The exterior combines ThermoChar® charred ash cladding with locally sourced stone, referencing the Surrey landscape while clearly expressing a contemporary architectural language. The stone-clad lower level grounds the building into the hillside, while the black-clad upper storey appears lighter, floating above the garden and opening up views across the landscape. The roofline is also subtly angled to echo the receding profile of the North Downs beyond. Slim yet robust glazing was specified to ensure minimal framing, allowing for uninterrupted views.
Throughout the house, attention to detail has been carefully considered to create a sense of interest, generosity of space, and practical living.
Internal views are deliberately framed, allowing the eye to travel beyond the architecture and into the surrounding landscape. A number of bespoke design features add character and individuality to the home, including a small Japanese courtyard garden positioned between living spaces, recessed niches designed to house a collection of antique hats, and integrated lighting that emphasises the roof and ceiling lines.
Flexibility and future-proofing were key elements of the brief. The ground level of the house is arranged on a single storey, allowing for ease of access and long-term adaptability. A separate studio space, complete with kitchen facilities, has been designed to allow future conversion into a self-contained bedsit with a bathroom, ensuring the house can evolve with the changing needs of its occupants.
The project was delivered through a collaborative process between the architect, clients and builders, with the design evolving and adapting in response to the brief and changes during construction. Despite significant adjustments made during the build, Duncan Foster Architects were praised for their efficiency, creativity and accommodating approach-successfully delivering the project within a tight budget. The result is a calm, considered home that balances contemporary design with sensitivity to landscape, context and future living.