Buchanan House

Adam Knibb Architects have been commissioned to design a new-build dwelling in Oxford. The clients were eager to see a radical, contemporary design, which inspired us to deliver this eye-catching proposal.

The new dwelling spreads over three levels, including the basement, and offers a striking addition to its immediate surroundings. The key to finalising the final concept was a comprehensive analysis of the proposal's materiality, concluding with a solid slate mass which acts as an anchor to the clad box cantilevering on top of it. This arrangement offers a flexible living space while providing views and a high penetration of natural light, both of which can be enjoyed from all areas of the dwelling.

Internally, the proposal has a more traditional living arrangement, with the kitchen and open plan living/dining area located on the ground floor and the bedrooms and bathrooms above. The internal staircase in the main hall space downstairs allows access to both the first floor and the basement below, while also acting a centralised visual feature within the floor plan.

The basement space incorporates a boot room, carport and additional storage area, which can be accessed externally via a slope which leads to Kelly’s Road.