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Pheasants, Henley-on-Thames

Overturns assumptions about how spaces should be disposed

Pheasants
Pheasants Credit: Tim Soar

Sarah Griffiths + Amin Taha for private client
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 575 m²

This house, on a site beside the Thames, is extraordinary in its challenge to convention. It is approached by foot along a path which passes a Corten ancillary pavilion and an over-sized reflecting pool before tucking into the house, confronting a small top-lit court, and turning sideways into the living space.

  • Pheasants
    Pheasants Credit: Tim Soar
  • Pheasants
    Pheasants Credit: Tim Soar
  • Pheasants
    Pheasants Credit: Tim Soar
  • Pheasants
    Pheasants Credit: Tim Soar
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This pattern of movement through major and minor spaces with promenades and pauses continues through the house itself, overturning assumptions about how spaces should be disposed and what they should address. Creating the house has taken more than a decade, yet there is no evidence that anything has been downgraded or any difficulty sidestepped. It all works beautifully and the house is clearly a comfort and joy to the clients.  Uncompromising and uplifting.

Regional Project Architect of the Year sponsored by Taylor Maxwell: Sarah Griffiths 

See the other winners in the RIBA regional awards - South

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