Hertsmere New Build House

This contemporary new build house in Hertsmere transforms a challenging corner plot into a spacious and sustainable family home.

Designed for a property developer seeking to maximise the site’s potential, the project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can create substantial accommodation while remaining sensitive to its surroundings.

The site presented a unique challenge. Positioned on a prominent corner with a significant change in levels, there was pressure to create as much living space as possible without overwhelming the neighbouring properties or the wider streetscape. A conventional house form would have struggled to accommodate the required floor area while maintaining a comfortable relationship with the street.

Our response was to work with the natural slope of the site, creating a split-level home that is partially embedded into the landscape. From the street, the house appears modest in scale, reflecting the character of neighbouring properties. As the building follows the falling land, however, it gradually reveals a larger contemporary form with generous living spaces, carefully positioned glazing and views towards the surrounding Green Belt.

The accommodation is arranged across four levels connected by a central staircase, creating a spacious four-bedroom home with a dedicated study and flexible living spaces. Large windows bring natural light deep into the plan, ensuring that the lower levels feel bright and connected to the landscape rather than hidden below it.

Sustainability was a key part of the design, with enhanced insulation, an air source heat pump, electric vehicle charging and responsibly sourced materials helping to reduce the home’s environmental impact.

The result is a distinctive Hertsmere new build that maximises a difficult site, creating a contemporary family home that feels both generous and carefully integrated into its setting.