Merging discreetly with meadows on a wooded hillside in the Forest of Dean is this exceptional eco-efficient, contemporary home, described in the Architects Journal as ‘one of the most outstanding new houses in Britain in a decade’. Outhouse was completed in 2015 to a design by renowned architects Loyn and Co and was the winner of several architectural awards, as well as shortlistings for the 2016 RIBA House of the Year and a RIBA Stirling prize.

Despite an internal footprint of over 5,000 sq ft, the house is a stealthy and timeless architectural solution to the sloping plot, embedded within the natural insulation of the surrounding landscape. Its concrete form evokes a monolithic and unchanging quality; long, low and with one open façade to far-reaching views of the beautiful Wye valley and beyond.

The property is approached via a private driveway, becoming a paved carport, with charging point for electric vehicles, and dramatic external hall, sheltered from the elements by a series of large sky lights. Internally, it is a building of two halves separated by a long gallery which, like an arterial road, splits the zones of the house running east to west along the route of the original driveway.

At the front are the south-facing living areas, dining area and kitchen, with access to an external cold store, and two principal bedrooms. At the back is a bedroom and a series of expansive artists’ studios each with access to an external courtyard garden. These mirror the positions of the sites’ original buildings in a reversal of form and purpose, providing private, sheltered spaces and a source of light and air throughout. At the western extremity is an enchanting growing garden with raised beds, bordered by an original stone wall.

Energy efficiency is central to the design and the finished house achieves an EPC of 96/100. This includes whole-house ventilation with a ground source heat pump, solar thermal and photovoltaic panels, and underfloor heating throughout. The house also recorded an airtightness of 0.49 h-1@50Pa, well below the threshold for Passivhaus standards. The green roof, accessed via concrete steps to the right of the sheltered entrance, is in reality an extension of the meadow above, interspersed with solar panels and providing excellent natural insulation.

Among the properties’ four acres are a fully insulated summer house, further raised growing beds, and a grazing meadow with shelter. The surrounding countryside is celebrated for its magnificent views, climbing, caving, river pursuits, and riding.

The house is located on the edge of Brockweir, a small village on the eastern bank of the River Wye dating to at least the 13th Century. During the early 19th century the village was thought to be one of the most lawless places in the country. Its reputation was earned by its sixteen public houses to cater for the stevedores who were employed to load and unload the ships at the thriving quayside. Today the village has a traditional pub and a lovely community village shop staffed by local volunteers. Further pubs are available in Tintern, known for its Abbey, including the excellent Kingstone (micro) Brewery.

The old towns of Chepstow and Monmouth are within easy reach for a wider variety of shops, restaurants, and regular farmers markets. Both have excellent schools for all ages. Bristol is around 40 minutes by car, and as of December 2018 there are no tolls for crossing the River Severn.

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.