Explore this architect-designed house from Grand Designs

published 22 June 2020

Tucked away in the outskirts of Billericay, Essex, Dapple House was sensitively designed both for modern living and to complement the surrounding woodland. Designed by architect David Parsons, the home was featured on self-build TV show, Grand Designs, in 2016 and is now on the market with The Modern House.

It’s always fascinating to see how architects live and, with this property, there’s the added advantage of being able to watch every step of the design and build process, too.

Let’s take a look around...

The black profile exterior of the two-storey home sets the tone for simple linear designs within, and merges seamlessly within the surrounding nature. The home was designed for seclusion and privacy and the lack of windows on approach ensure just that.

At the very heart of the home is the fantastically light and bright open-plan living, dining and kitchen. The choice of crisp white paint and nature inspired colour palette reflects the beauty of the woodland beyond.

Framing this open plan space is the show-stopping double height wall of glazing, merging the interiors with the garden and studio beyond. For the tempestuous British weather, the log-burner adds warmth inducing exposed brick wall keep things cosy without compromising on style.

The rear of this space holds the sleek and stylish kitchen area. With emerald green cabinets and a contrasting brass splash-back, even though it’s at the farthest point from the windows, allows light to bounce around and creates a defined work space. The island acts as a wonderful centrepiece here, crafted from polished concrete and designed and poured by the architect and owner himself.

Coming in to the property from the front door, you walk straight into a bright entrance hall, with cleverly positioned skylights above and in-built bookshelves lining the wall on your way through to the open plan area.

There are three bedrooms in Dapple House, two of which come off either side of the entrance hall. Both of these are incredibly peaceful rooms, with bespoke cabinetry creating smart storage solutions. Deeply inset window seats and the use of skylights allow sunlight to flood in.

The second ground floor bedroom also benefits from an en suite as well as a wall of glazing including a door that leads out to the terrace. Heading upstairs, the entire first floor is dedicated to the master suite. It’s up here that you can access the planted sedum roof terrace, which allows the house to further blend in within its surroundings, alongside encouraging bee and birdlife.

Outside the main house there is a wonderful self-contained studio, which could be perfect as an artistic retreat, home office or guest space. Once again, the use of skylights allows for natural light all day long.

Thea Babington-Stitt is a content editor at Ideal Home, specialising in interior design, decor updates, trends and decoding the zeitgeist. She was previously features editor on Livingetc and Homes and Gardens, where she tackled the inspirational room galleries, offering the best expert advice for anyone looking to redecorate their home. She has also held a staff role at Country Homes and Interiors magazine.