Modern Detached

Connected to the Garden in Harpenden

A four-bedroom Modern New Build Home in Harpenden. A Serrated Brick structure with a Charred Timber insert houses the Hallway and Living Areas, offering a Luxury Home with views of the Sky and Garden.

Modern Detached won an RIBA Award
Modern Detached won an Brick Award

Modern Detached is a modern, luxury home that marries contemporary design with the local arts and crafts tradition. Set in a suburban street, it features a unique blend of brick and timber materials that creates a play of natural light and shadows.

Drawing inspiration from neighbouring architecture, the design maximises space and light compared to its predecessor, with expansive glazing and large windows. The design comprises two interlocking elements: a traditional brick house and a black timber insert. The front features a double-height porch, while the rear seamlessly connects indoor living areas to the garden. Inside, traditional materials and zenith light create a serene, monastic tranquillity.

Polished concrete opens up to the garden, while a bespoke dining table on the outdoor terrace enhances the connection between the home and its surroundings.

Back view of a modern luxury home with a mix of brick and glass, surrounded by vibrant greenery
Oval black dining table with woven chairs, a modern pendant light, and artwork featuring soda cans in a stylish setting
Contemporary open-plan kitchen with sleek white cabinets, island, and gold accents
Contemporary dining area with mustard yellow walls, large windows, and a designer chair in a sunlit space

Light : Zenith and Angled to Light

The grand brass staircase ascends through the luminous main hall, lit from above by a large, circular skylight. The hall’s dark timber interior contrasts with the brightness, while a contoured glazed threshold provides shade for the south-facing sliding doors. A custom elliptical dining table near the garden adds a touch of baroque luxury with its curvilinear design, blending functionality and design-focused elegance.

Rear view of a luxury modern detached house with floor-to-ceiling glass and brick facade.
Minimalist hallway with wooden stairs, exposed brick wall, and contrasting black paneling
Elegant staircase with a mix of timber, metal, and brick, connecting multiple floors with clean architectural lines
Minimalist bathroom with a white tub, open window, and a view of lush greenery for a serene experience

Craft : Serrated Brick and Charred Timber-Slat

The house is structured from two interlocking components. Cellular spaces are housed within a typical brick-and-tile ‘house,’ mirroring local architecture. The contrasting element, clad in charred timber slats, contains the more dynamic spaces. The north and south façades feature brick fin details that add depth, while neatly cut bricks and integrated gutters define the eaves. This harmonious interplay of materials creates an eco-friendly and visually striking home that respects both the environment and its architectural context.

Close-up of the brick facade with intricate vertical detailing and window reflections
Rear view of a modern detached house with floor-to-ceiling glass and brick facade, surrounded by a lush garden.
Cozy living area with wide doors opening to a landscaped garden
Light streaming across an exposed brick wall onto a wooden staircase landing with black paneling
Luxe bathroom with white tiled walls, a soaking tub, gold fixtures, and a window overlooking green foliage
Rear elevation of a contemporary home with a garden bench, framed by leafy trees
Minimalist hallway with a golden handrail and artwork leading to a brick-walled room filled with natural light
Sunlight casting geometric shadows on an exposed brick wall, adding depth to the modern interior
Bright corridor with brick accents, white doors, and a portrait painting, showcasing a blend of light and shadow
View of a cozy bedroom through an open door, framed by a brick wall and geometric light patterns
Cozy living area with a grey sofa and wide doors opening to a landscaped garden
Modern fireplace with a golden frame, burning logs, and a decorative blue bucket with wood
A modern detached house facade with vertical black and brick detailing under a clear blue sky
Close-up of the brick facade with intricate vertical detailing and window reflections
Dramatic black vertical cladding contrasting with brick walls at the entrance of a modern detached home
Stunning modern facade with brick and black cladding surrounded by greenery and a paved driveway