Maison, Parc Highover, Amersham, Buckinghamshire

Natural light is fundamental to the architecture of The Third Sun House. The glazing follows the path of the sun around the building, bringing changing light into different parts of the house from morning until evening. The kitchen catches the morning
sun, while later in the day light moves through the principal living spaces and across the sculptural spiral staircase. The house’s original design encourages air to circulate freely through both while south-westerly breezes from the valley bring fresh airthrough the building on hot days. At the top of the house, the roof terrace provides a quite different experience. With extensive views across the surrounding landscape, it is a wonderful place for morning coffee, entertaining or watching the sunset move gradually along the horizon as the seasons change.

The living accommodation is arranged as a series of connected spaces, with ceiling-height glazing creating a strong relationship between house and garden. A raised dining area forms part of the L-shaped main living space and connects ingeniously with the kitchen through an original revolving wall and door. Opened, it allows conversation, food and movement to flow naturally between the spaces; closed, it restores the clarity and separation of the original rooms. The kitchen itself retains the efficiency of the original plan while having been comprehensively modernised. It provides generous work surfaces, extensive integrated storage and modern appliances, with everything conveniently close to hand. Laundry facilities are housed separately in an immediately adjacent outhouse, keeping washing and drying away from the kitchen and living spaces. Storage throughout the house is surprisingly generous, with numerous fitted cupboards and additional spaces discreetly incorporated into the architecture. A wood-burning stove brings another dimension during winter, complementing the clean Modernist architecture with warmth and intimacy.