Stepping Stone House

PrizeHonorable Mention in Architectural Design /
Firm LocationNr. Tewkesbury, United Kingdom
CompanyHAMISH & LYONS
Lead ArchitectHamish Herford
Design Team Nick Lyons
ClientPrivate
Projecthttp://

The smaller of the two new buildings is a self contained guest house and contains a kitchen / living space, utility corridor, bathroom and bed deck. The larger building is a multifunctional space with a bathroom and bed deck and will primarily be used by the children as a play room. It is connected to the existing house via a structural glass bridge. The stilts elevate the buildings above the lake, lifting them clear of the flood waters and allowing flush access to the existing house. They also make it possible to swim under the buildings. The architect’s landscape design is integral to the concept of engaging the family with their surroundings and included the swimming lake as well as creating a continuous route around the buildings. Much of the building was pre fabricated which allowed for a brief construction period on site and minimised waste. In this respect the architects hope to use the buildings as prototypes for other versions that could be built on sites where water is prevalent such as lakes, coastal land and flood plains.