Located on the secluded Milnthorpe Lane in Winchester, the house sits within a sylvan residential setting between the University of Winchester campus and Sleepers Hill. Mature trees, shrubs and hedgerows protected by a group Tree Preservation Order define the distinctive wooded character of the lane and provide a strong landscape setting for the site.

The project replaces an existing raised bungalow with a new four-bedroom family home designed to respond sensitively to the generous sloping plot. Built largely on the footprint of the original dwelling, the proposal maintains the established relationship with the lane while making more efficient use of the site.

The architecture is expressed as a simple composition, with a masonry ground floor set on a plinth and a lighter timber-clad first floor set back above. The upper level is contained within a flat roof form to minimise the perceived scale of the house, allowing it to sit comfortably within its leafy surroundings.

Large windows maximise natural daylight and provide views across the surrounding trees and gardens, while the internal layout supports flexible family living. Accessible ground floor spaces allow the home to accommodate changing needs over time.

The house is designed with sustainability at its core. A fabric-first approach ensures a highly insulated and airtight building envelope, supported by triple-glazed windows. Heating and hot water are provided by an air source heat pump, with roof-mounted photovoltaic panels generating renewable energy on site. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) provides fresh filtered air, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient home designed for modern living.