HOUSE AT UPPER HEYFORD
This is a large family house we built in the centre of the small village
of Upper Heyford, between a tall Victorian vicarage and a fine old cedar tree.
On the site the owner had amassed a large supply of random Cotswold stone blocks
and stone roof tiles. His instruction were simple: use stone as the chief material,
and take advantage of the superb views over the Cherwell Valley. These factors
dictated the form that emerged, a tall building with glazed balcolnies overlooking
the views. In the centre of the house a staircase winds round a great chimney
overlooking the double height living room and leading to spacious landings and
bedrooms on upper floors. Slung from the central circulation core bathrooms and
utility rooms are arranged to the north, bedrooms to the south and east.
