A Scandinavian Inspired New Build in Surrey
/Located in a quiet woodland setting in Surrey, this contemporary New Build house demonstrates Model Projects’ approach to residential architecture across London and the South of England. Influenced by Scandinavian design principles, the project combines strong roof forms, dark timber cladding, and generous glazing to create a calm, modern home that responds thoughtfully to its landscape.
Designed as a sensitive yet confident intervention, the house explores how contemporary architecture can sit comfortably within a natural setting while meeting the needs of modern family living. Through clarity of form, material honesty, and an emphasis on light, the project reflects our wider work on bespoke new build homes throughout London and the South of England
Architecture Shaped by Context
From the outset, the surrounding woodland played a central role in shaping the design. The building is conceived as a series of clear, robust forms with strong rooflines, reinforced by a standing seam metal roof that gives the house a crisp, contemporary profile.
The principal elevation is defined by gable-ended glazing, carefully broken by a vertical chimney stack to add rhythm, scale, and solidity. This composition allows large areas of glass to be introduced without overwhelming the form, balancing openness with a sense of permanence. Rather than competing with its setting, the house is designed to sit quietly within it, allowing architecture and landscape to exist in harmony.
Light, Space and Connection
A central double-height entrance forms the heart of the house, with front-to-back glazing creating a clear and legible arrival sequence while drawing daylight deep into the plan. Crittall-style glazing is used throughout, providing slender frames that maximise light and views while maintaining a refined architectural character.
Movement, Arrival and Landscape
The arrival is carefully choreographed through a gently sweeping driveway that leads down to a basement-level garage concealed beneath the house. This approach minimises the visual presence of vehicles and allows the landscape and architecture to remain the dominant experience.
Material Honesty and Craft
Dark timber cladding is used as the primary external material, chosen for its depth, durability, and ability to weather gracefully over time. The darker tone reflects the surrounding woodland, allowing the building to recede into its setting while reinforcing a calm, understated architectural presence.
A Quiet, Contemporary Home
The result is a home defined by clarity and restraint, strong yet simple forms, a limited material palette, and a focus on atmosphere rather than excess. This Surrey new build demonstrates how contemporary residential architecture can be both expressive and sensitive, delivering a modern family home that feels grounded, calm, and closely connected to its setting.
At Model Projects, we approach each project as a response to place, client, and context. This woodland home reflects our ongoing interest in material honesty, proportion, and creating architecture that supports everyday living while sitting comfortably within its environment.