mecanoo completes glass + burnt wood villa on the waterfront of a british lake

mecanoo has completed a villa within a green oasis of trees and plants on the waterfront of a lake in lechlade, UK, combining transparency with sustainability. designed from inside out, the residence features uninterrupted views towards the landscape, and a selection of materials, colors, and lighting that forge a strong, harmonious relationship with the surrounding nature.

with an optimal view over the lake, the villa is surrounded by trees and plants that hide it from plain sight. mecanoo has created terraces on two different levels, which connect the residence to both the land and the water, anchoring it in nature and giving it a welcoming presence. water plants along the lake side, and a hilly finger of land with tall trees between the house and the adjacent plot ensure enough privacy, while glass corner windows in the living room, kitchen and other rooms blur the boundaries between inside and outside.

the exterior combines glass and wood, which has been treated with the ancient japanese art of burning timber (sugi ban) to provide a beautiful long lasting finish, effective fire resistance as well as a technique that is natural and free from chemical preservatives, paints and retardants.

a curved bridge connects the villa to the main road, allowing the row of trees to remain intact and thus increasing the sense of privacy while blocking disturbing lights from the traffic.the house is divided into different places through interior elements such as a fireplace and storage cupboards, creating more intimate and private areas within the large transparent volume. in the heart of the house, mecanoo has placed a full-height void which connects all levels and creates another series of diagonal and vertical sight lines. this central atrium brings abundant daylight into the sunken basement and connects the interior to the roof terrace, while the staircase sews all the rooms together into one interior space.