Box of delights 

From the challenge of getting planning permission to creating an award-winning home, take a look at this contemporary new build located on green belt land in leafy Surrey, and featuring a stylish Urban Front door. Homeowner David Carr discusses his property.

What was the brief?
The brief was for a modern design that maximised light and the views from the plot. We didn’t want a pastiche of a period style. Our architect, Kate Stoddart, presented us with three alternatives, and we chose this cuboid design.

Were there any challenges during the planning process?
Our home replaced a run-down 1940s bungalow and is on green belt land in Surrey. Initially, the planners weren’t keen to accept a two-storey property, despite the precedent set by neighbouring homes. Planning permission was eventually granted on appeal some two years after we bought the site.

Why did you choose an Urban Front door?
As construction got underway, we started looking for a front door that would fit the bold look of Kate’s design. Our contractor, Eight Building’s Marcus McKenzie, suggested we have a look at Urban Front doors. We visited the showroom and we loved what we saw. We were given quotes based on two or three designs, and after some thought, decided that the Neo V with a glass sidelight best suited the overall look.

We quickly decided on an ebony oil exterior finish as this matched the finish of the windows and other architectural detailing. We decided to have both sides finished in ebony oil as this gave a more striking effect and looked better when the door was open, given that it is pivoted rather than hinged.

Are you happy with your choice of door?
We are very happy with our choice of front door, and it gets acclaim from people visiting our home for the first time. There are some things about the house we could have done differently or used alternative suppliers that might have worked out just as well. But we haven’t seen any alternative doors of this calibre at all!

Can you tell me more about your home?
Internally, the house is organised around a dramatic double-height spine featuring bleached timber and blue engineering brick. At the top of the central stair, a full-height, frameless glass wall provides uninterrupted views. Designed for modern life, the ground floor has an open plan layout with full-height sliding doors extending our living space into the garden.

Is your finished home sustainable?
Sustainability is embedded in the fabric of the building. A polished concrete floor throughout the ground level incorporates wet underfloor heating powered by an air source heat pump. Solar panels and a mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) system ensure energy efficiency and year-round comfort.

What’s your favourite part of your home?
Our favourite part of the house is the hallway as you come in through the front door and see the views open out behind. Most first-time visitors find it a surprise, but it’s still a joy each time we come in!