London-based studio Waind Gohil Architects designed the 'Elmthorpe House,' a contemporary gabled house in Oxford, England. The house features a glazed gable, concealed drainpipes and a minimal range of materials in order to differentiate it from its older, terraced counterparts.
The architects were faced with a strict budget and a narrow site. To weather these challenges, they chose to build using a prefabricated timber frame, which was constructed separately and lifted onto the site using a crane. The decision to build off-site helped the architects to be more meticulous in their design, allowing them to conceal the drainage pipes.
Finally, the architects chose to clad the exterior in rough-sawn oak, left purposely untreated so that it will weather as the garden matures.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Prefabricated Homes
- The use of prefabricated timber frame to build homes can help in maintaining budget and meticulous design.
- Minimalistic Design
- Minimal range of materials in building houses can make them unique and different from their counterparts.
- Weathered Exterior
- Leaving the exterior untreated allows the house to weather naturally and organically.
Where This Applies
- Construction
- Prefabricated homes can disrupt the traditional construction industry by offering a more cost-effective and efficient option.
- Architecture
- The trend towards minimalistic design can offer opportunities for architects to explore unique and innovative designs with limited materials.
- Timber Industry
- The use of timber frames in building homes can provide opportunities for the timber industry in terms of sustainability and eco-friendliness.
