The Pines is a minimal house located in Cobham, United Kingdom, designed by Ström Architects. The Pines, a historic property dating back to the 1900s located in a leafy Cobham suburb, has undergone an impressive makeover. The design team meticulously researched the property’s history and collaborated with the homeowners to propose a large contemporary single-story extension that connects the interior of the house to the garden. The goal was to create a unified space that would replace previous incongruous additions and provide a dramatic open-plan kitchen and dining area. The new design also features a replacement garage that does not dominate the front facade of the house.

To the rear of the property, a serene courtyard and outdoor dining area connect to the new home office, gym, and spa and complement the existing swimming pool. The outdoor space is framed by a generous terrace and soft landscaping. The design team aimed to maintain a harmonious relationship with the original property by referencing the white, rough cast render walls and black painted timber framing with the lime-washed white brick and black cladding used in the extension. The homeowners, who shared the design team’s preference for understated and serene aesthetics, opted for high-quality natural materials and a design that floods the interior with natural light. The result is a tranquil home that exudes peacefulness.

Photography by Richard Chivers