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Berkshire House, Reading

An outstanding level of spatial variety and sequence of internal spaces

Mel Yates
Mel Yates Credit: Mel Yates

Gregory Phillips Architects for private client
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 562 m²

This is a pristine and immaculate example of the early 21st century modern house. While not innovative or challenging in design (textbook in its use of contemporary language) it just does everything so well. Every detail is finely honed, each facade carefully composed and the house achieves faultless finesse at every scale. Materials vary in texture from rough brick through pale stained western red cedar to polished grey concrete, all combining in a palette of greys and soft Scandinavian tones.

  • Mel Yates
    Mel Yates Credit: Mel Yates
  • Mel Yates
    Mel Yates Credit: Mel Yates
  • Mel Yates
    Mel Yates Credit: Mel Yates
  • Mel Yates
    Mel Yates Credit: Mel Yates
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The ‘compression-and-release’ route from the forecourt, through an etiolated colonnade to a low, dark lobby and into a majestic double-height dining hall is also a classic, but expertly executed, effect. And the architect has achieved an outstanding level of spatial variety and sequence of internal spaces on the standard south-facing, rectangular site. It is a joy to walk through, revelling in how materials, light, route, and space have been modelled and modulated.

See the other winners in the RIBA regional awards - South

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