Croft Lane
Croft Lane is a contemporary family home in Newbury, Berkshire, self-built by a client with sustainable high-performance brief. Having been involved in sustainable building technology, the client Fraser wanted to build his own sustainable home for wife, Anne, and their family.
With sustainable self-build construction planned from the start, the team at OB Architecture designed for an off-site timber frame from first principles. The internal layouts reflect the use of a timber frame, creating an efficient stacked shell to simplify the structural design and allow for a quicker construction on site.
The house itself sits on the edge of a conservation area, with the council’s Local Plan identifying the site for a landmark building on the edge of the park. This allowed OB Architecture to design a more contemporary building that harmonises with the natural surroundings whilst standing out as an architectural statement.
Nestled into the site and shielded from the main road, the home is sensitively integrated with the surrounding landscape and park beyond. Large windows throughout the house capture views from the top of the hill.
Collaborating closely with Fraser and Anne, OB Architecture created a serene retreat within the trees that brings the outdoors inside through expansive glazed openings, filling the home with natural light.
The upper storey is clad in natural stained timber, helping the first floor blend seamlessly into the surrounding treeline – punctured with black metal lined openings framing the views beyond.
Grant Freeman – Director at OBA – worked closely with Fraser to ensure the performance of the building met the client’s exacting standards. “We meticulously modelled the thermal performance of the building fabric and junction details, even before it was mandated by building regulations, to meet the client’s high standards. By integrating self-build and sustainability principles from day one, we’ve created a home that truly embodies these values.”
The home was built to a tight budget alongside a Project Manager during works to be completed at around £2,500/m2 – a £680,000 build cost. Since its completion, Fraser and Anne have monitored their home’s performance which is now showing a nearly 60% reduction in energy usage than a typical Ofgem house.
About OB Architecture:
OB Architecture is an award-winning architectural studio delivering aspirational homes on coastlines and mountains, in cities and in the countryside. Established by Founder Olly Bray in 2010, OB Architecture is a friendly and open practice of experienced architects, designers and technicians. The team works between three architectural studios in London, Winchester and Chamonix delivering projects locally and internationally.
‘Our buildings deliver value. We design for people, and we’re passionate about delivering tangible value through considered and innovative design.’