Waldens Farm

Waldens Farm is a contemporary rural house designed by Adam Knibb Architects to replace a modest bungalow within the picturesque landscape of West Grimstead, Wiltshire. Positioned on sloping terrain overlooking wildflower meadow and fishing lakes, the new three-bedroom home has been carefully composed to sit comfortably within its setting while maximising long views across the landscape.

The original dwelling was limited in scale and presence. Rather than compete with the openness of the countryside, the new house was designed to embed itself within it. Mature trees provide tranquillity and natural screening from the access track to the south, while the building’s north–south orientation and elevated position allow the principal spaces to open toward the meadow and lakes beyond.

Form Shaped by View and Orientation

Architecturally, the house is defined by a skillion roof and vaulted ceiling that sweep upward to the north. This gesture lifts the main open-plan living space toward the view, drawing light deep into the interior and reinforcing the connection between inside and out. Extensive glazing to both the northeastern and southwestern elevations ensures the house remains visually anchored to its landscape throughout the day.

Externally, the material palette reflects the agricultural character of the site. Vertical accoya timber cladding wraps the building and will naturally silver over time, echoing the surrounding barns and outbuildings. A feature stone chimney provides solidity and anchors the composition, while standing seam zinc roofing introduces a refined contemporary layer. The restrained use of materials — timber, stone, glass and zinc — allows the building to harmonise quietly with its rural surroundings.

The cantilevered concrete terrace extends from the open-plan living space, creating the illusion that the house gently hovers above the slope. This architectural move strengthens the visual relationship with the meadow below and enhances the seamless transition between interior and exterior living.

Internally, the continuation of external stone walling into the living space and master bedroom reinforces a sense of material continuity. Limestone flooring and a timber-clad ceiling introduce warmth and texture, softening the contemporary detailing and creating a calm, tactile interior environment.

Living at the Heart of the Plan

The plan is organised around a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living space at its heart. The western wing accommodates the master suite, dressing room and ensuite alongside a study and snug, offering privacy and retreat. To the east, two additional bedrooms are supported by a family bathroom, guest WC and practical service spaces including a pantry, boot room and utility. This arrangement prioritises communal living while ensuring the more private spaces remain secluded and tranquil.

Given the rural location and access constraints, the house was constructed primarily using highly insulated Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), manufactured offsite to ensure quality and efficiency. Large glulam beams form the dramatic roof overhangs, with steel restricted to key structural points such as the head of the sliding doors. The prefabricated system enabled a highly airtight building envelope, significantly reducing energy demand.

Low-Energy Construction

Environmental performance was integral to the project. A ground source heat pump provides space heating and hot water, supported by an underground network of pipework installed across the surrounding meadow. Combined with the insulated SIPs construction and airtight shell, the house achieves a highly efficient, low-energy performance while maintaining architectural clarity.

Waldens Farm demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respectfully inhabit a rural landscape — drawing from its agricultural context while embracing modern construction methods and sustainable technologies to create a refined, enduring home.