A refined mix of classic and contemporary design, the Cedar Lodges in Winchester, Hampshire present a modern yet timeless character. Designed by Adam Knibb Architects, these two compact homes combine a pod-like lower level with a contrasting gabled upper volume. The exteriors use a careful pairing of vertical timber cladding and zinc roofing, while generous glazing punctuates the façades to balance privacy with daylight.
The layout responds directly to the site and the brief. The lower level accommodates the main communal spaces—kitchen, dining and living areas—arranged to feel open yet intimate. Above, the gabled volume contains private rooms, including two bedrooms and bathrooms. The rectangular forms are elevated to create sheltered parking beneath, making efficient use of limited footprint without compromising the homes’ polished appearance.
Careful consideration of sightlines and ventilation ensures occupants enjoy both privacy and generous natural light. The vertical timber cladding contrasts with the zinc roof and clear glass openings, creating a composed, contemporary façade. Inside, a restrained palette of wood and white carries through to furnish the interiors, emphasizing calm minimalism while allowing texture and natural materials to take center stage.
Despite the relatively narrow plots, the design makes the most of every available inch. Open-plan living areas flow efficiently, while large windows and thoughtfully placed openings draw daylight deep into the plan. The use of timber pods at the lower level introduces a contemporary rhythm to the elevations and helps define sheltered zones on the exterior.
The developer didn’t have a particular specification in mind about what type of house it should be, which was good because it allowed us to think quite dramatically about what we could put into the area to enhance it. The project team worked closely with the developers and local planners to create a building they felt could become a case study promoting contemporary architecture in the area.
The project’s collaborative approach—between architects, developers and planners—allowed a level of design ambition that makes the Cedar Lodges a thoughtful addition to the local streetscape. Rather than conforming to a single archetype, the scheme explores how contemporary materials and simple volumes can respond sensitively to context while delivering practical, well-lit living spaces.
Photography: Martin Gardner
