The Lake House

The guiding design principle of Villa on the lake was to create a house that combines transparency with sustainability, forging a strong relationship between the villa and the landscape. Located in Lechlade-on-Thames, UK, the harmony between landscape and interior, architecture and nature, was a key design.
The house was designed from inside out by Mecanoo , creating uninterrupted views to the surrounding nature while providing shelter and intimacy. The villa is situated in a green oasis of trees and plants that hide the house from view. Water plants along the water line alternate with stepping stones that lead to other parts of the garden.
Terraces on two different levels connect the villa to both the land and the water. Glass corner windows in the living room, kitchen and other rooms, make the residents feel like they live on the water (which they kind of do).
Interior elements such as the fireplace and storage cupboards, divide the house into various intimate and private spaces. In the heart of the house, a full-height void and staircase which connects all levels sewing all the rooms together into one interior space.

Photos by Blue Sky