Located within the woodland landscape of Epping Forest on the north-eastern edge of London, this project proposes a contemporary two-storey detached family home and associated garage, carefully designed to sit sensitively within its natural setting.

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The accommodation comprises four bedrooms, an expansive open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, four bathrooms, a utility room, a dedicated home office, and a detached garage. The layout has been developed to maximise natural light, spatial flexibility and visual connections to the surrounding landscape, creating a modern family home that responds directly to its unique woodland context.

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A defining feature of the proposal is the innovative use of repurposed shipping containers as the primary structural framework. The house is formed from six 40-foot containers, while the detached garage is constructed from two 20-foot containers. This modular approach offers both environmental and construction efficiencies, reducing material waste while providing a robust and adaptable structural solution.

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The architectural expression is deliberately restrained and informed by the site's forested character. The container structure is concealed behind a carefully considered palette of vertical timber cladding, combining natural Scottish larch with charred Scottish larch to create depth, texture and contrast. This material strategy draws inspiration from contemporary rural architecture, allowing the building to integrate harmoniously with its woodland surroundings while maintaining a strong and distinctive identity. Similar contemporary approaches in woodland and rural settings often use simple forms, natural materials and restrained detailing to strengthen the relationship between architecture and landscape.

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The project is currently progressing through the Concept Design stage, with construction anticipated to commence on site in the coming year.