# Contemporary Oxford Homes This Gabled House Features a Modern Spin By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-08-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gabled-house References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/08/18/elmthorpe-house-oxford-waind-gohill-architects/) & [waindgohil](http://www.waindgohil.co.uk/) London-based studio Waind Gohil Architects designed the 'Elmthorpe House,' a [contemporary gabled house](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acute-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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balmoral-hillside-house), 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thornbury-house), left purposely untreated so that it will weather as the garden matures. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Timber-Framed Brick Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/erbar-mattes.md) - [Gabled Cedar Paneling Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cotton-patch-hills-house.md) - [Residential Timber Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arbour-house.md) - [Wedge-Shaped Stealthy Cottages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbora-vokac-taylor-architect.md) - [Stone Plinth-Grounded Modern Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ayn3.md) - [Simple Material Family Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/openfield-house.md) - [Contemporary Countryside Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-countryside-home.md) - [Gothic-Themed Ornamental Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyde-hyde.md) - [Juxtaposing History-Preserved Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/double-gable.md)