Berkshire House I by Gregory Phillips Architects

ByJon Dykstra Houses

A photograph featuring the exterior view of the house, set amidst a spacious lawn and garden, captured during sunset.

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Architect: Gregory Phillips Architects

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.

Background

This multi-award winning design in Berkshire, consists of a 900 sqm new-build contemporary detached home set within a breath taking twelve-acre site adjacent to the River Thames. The modern house includes a stunning private entrance courtyard, glass walls, multiple garages, outdoor swimming pool, out buildings and a tennis court.

The site is accessed via a pair of grand, Grade I Listed metal gates and a gravelled driveway leading to the central courtyard which is completely enclosed by the house and out-buildings. The planning authority requested a dwelling of architectural merit in order to replace the much smaller dwelling previously situated upon the site.

The Brief

Gregory Phillips’ interior design team and our architects were commissioned to create a luxurious and comfortable modern home that is both practical and beautiful. Fluid relationships between the interior and exterior spaces are formed via vast sliding doors that open out onto the garden; the luxurious ranges of fabrics, natural stone, red cedar cladding and marble create layers of texture.

Entry to the house itself is made by crossing an enclosed reflecting pool leading into a double height space, from here the building is predominantly glazed to face the far-reaching north-western views with terracing at each level. The gardens immediately adjacent to the house incorporate an infinity edged swimming pool and a tennis court, the landscaping follows a simple, semi-formal layout which leads on to the extensive grounds and open countryside beyond.

Outcomes

The layout of the house evolved from a simple diagram incorporating a protected centralised courtyard flanked by glazed single-aspect rooms affording magnificent countryside views, inspired by traditional country houses with adjoining stable yards.

The extensive contemporary flint-work used within the courtyard reinterprets the flint-work within the surrounding village, and in particular the mediaeval church that is within view of the property. The horizontal strips of render almost extend and reinforce the contours of the site when viewing the property from the river.

Additional

Established in 1991, Gregory Phillips Architects is a London-based architecture practice committed to delivering bespoke, exquisitely executed homes in the UK and abroad. The firm’s highly experienced team offers a seamless, holistic service encompassing architecture, landscaping and project management.

The firm’s impressive portfolio has been recognised internationally – resulting in extensive press coverage and high-profile industry accolades. From remodelling and additions, to contemporary new-build homes, each commission starts with the unique needs of a client – ensuring a tailored, one-of-a-kind solution perfectly suited to its owner’s lifestyle.

A photo collage showcasing the exterior architectural design of the house, captured from different perspectives during nighttime.
A photo collage showcasing the exterior architectural design of the house, captured from different perspectives during nighttime.
A photo collage displaying the exterior architectural design of the house, captured from two distinct perspectives during daytime.
A photo collage displaying the exterior architectural design of the house, captured from two distinct perspectives during daytime.
A photograph showcasing a picturesque view of the front facade of the house, with a focus on the landscaped garden and spacious lawn situated in front of it.
A photograph showcasing a picturesque view of the front facade of the house, with a focus on the landscaped garden and spacious lawn situated in front of it.
A photograph displaying the driveway of the property from an exterior perspective, with a focus on the outside surroundings.
A photograph displaying the driveway of the property from an exterior perspective, with a focus on the outside surroundings.
A photo collage featuring the courtyard of the property, captured from two different perspective views during nighttime.
A photo collage featuring the courtyard of the property, captured from two different perspective views during nighttime.
A photograph taken from the ground level, displaying the living area of the property and the upper level view, as seen from the ground level. The image highlights the large windows and walls of both levels.
A photograph taken from the ground level, displaying the living area of the property and the upper level view, as seen from the ground level. The image highlights the large windows and walls of both levels.
A photograph showcasing the living room filled with furniture, with a focal point on the fireplace.
A photograph showcasing the living room filled with furniture, with a focal point on the fireplace.
A photograph displaying the living room, which is furnished with furniture and features a large glass window providing a view of the outside surroundings.
A photograph displaying the living room, which is furnished with furniture and features a large glass window providing a view of the outside surroundings.
A photo collage showcasing the staircase's detailed view and red chairs in the living room.
A photo collage showcasing the staircase’s detailed view and red chairs in the living room.
A photo collage showcasing two different perspectives of the bedroom.
A photo collage showcasing two different perspectives of the bedroom.
A photograph capturing the interior of a modern bathroom, featuring a large glass window that provides a view of the outside surroundings.
A photograph capturing the interior of a modern bathroom, featuring a large glass window that provides a view of the outside surroundings.

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Jon Dykstra
Jon Dykstra

Jon practiced law before launching his online publishing career, bringing analytical rigor to everything he builds. Home Stratosphere combines that precision with a lifelong obsession with residential design — architecture, interiors, landscape, and furniture.

His current focus is AI-driven design analysis, using artificial intelligence to study patterns in color, layout, and material choice across thousands of homes. His Personality Type Home Design Guide applies personality frameworks to interior aesthetics, helping readers design spaces that reflect how they actually think and live.

His favorite piece on the site is the 25 Most Popular Designs, is a daily-updated ranking of the top designs over the last 30 days, driven entirely by visitor activity. The feedback is invaluable for understanding what resonates most with readers. LinkedIn

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