Ridgemere
Malvern Hills, Worcestershire
The Project
LOCATION: Malvern Hills, Worcestershire
CLIENT: Private owners
PROJECT TYPE: New Build, Principal Contractor.
ARCHITECT: David & Sandy Greenhill, Vivid Architects
INTERIOR DESIGN: Roomsmiths
KITCHEN: Roundhouse Design
JOINERY & CABINETRY: Beckwood
Ridgemere is a contemporary architect-designed home in Worcestershire, overlooking the Malvern Hills.
The project involved replacing an existing farmhouse and collection of agricultural buildings with a one-off new-build home designed by Vivid Architects and delivered by Beckwood as principal construction contractor.
The low-profile design combines brickwork, zinc, extensive floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, and a distinctive folded green roof. Internally, a considered palette of timber, stone, brick and bronze is carried through the principal living spaces and detailed finishes.
Beckwood worked alongside the architect, interior designers and specialist suppliers throughout the construction to coordinate the architectural, technical and interior elements of the project.
Project Design
Beckwood worked closely with David & Sandy Greenhill at Vivid Architects throughout the construction process to protect the architectural intent while resolving the practical and technical requirements of the build.
The distinctive folded roof form takes its cues from the Malvern Hills beyond. Particular attention was given to the junctions between materials and the accuracy of the external detailing. The combination of brick, zinc and glazing gives Ridgemere its distinctive contemporary character while allowing the building to remain closely connected to its rural setting.
Inside, wood, stone and bronze introduce warmth and texture. The principal living spaces allow changing weather and seasonal views to become an integral part of the experience of the home.
Structure & Envelope
Beckwood worked closely with David & Sandy Greenhill at Vivid Architects throughout construction to protect the architectural intent while meeting the practical and technical requirements of the build.
Particular attention was given to material junctions and the accuracy of the external detailing. The combination of brick, zinc, glazing and the Sika Sarnafil planted roof gives Ridgemere its distinctive contemporary character while allowing the building to remain closely connected to its rural setting.
Interior Design & Detailing
The interior combines natural materials with a contemporary architectural palette, with areas of deeper colour, bold textures and carefully selected finishes.
The Roundhouse kitchen forms a strong focal point within the principal living space, combining deep-toned timber and burgundy cabinetry with pale stone and warm brass detailing.
WoodUpp timber panels introduce further warmth and texture, creating a visual connection with materials used elsewhere in the house.
Interior design Directors Jen and Cheryl at Roomsmiths worked with the clients on the broader interior design, selecting textured wallpaper, commissioning bedroom headboards, and designing bespoke lighting for several spaces.
Havwoods flooring is used as part of the wider interior scheme, reinforcing the use of natural timber across multiple spaces. A specialist Luxaflex motorised blind system is incorporated into the completed scheme to provide versatile light control and high energy efficiency.
The combination of architectural detailing, bespoke-designed lighting, carefully chosen materials and finishes gives each individual room its own character while maintaining consistency across the house.
Renewable Energy & Services
Building and mechanical engineering approaches were closely coordinated with Vivid Architects and the structural engineer. This was particularly important in areas such as the entrance hall, where the large expanses of timber floor, glass-panelled stairway and balcony were carefully built to ensure they reflected the design intention.
The home incorporates a ground source heat pump and solar arrays, providing ample renewable energy alongside high specification insulation. A rainwater harvesting system provides water for the extensive garden and two Hartley Botanic greenhouses, reducing the reliance on mains water for irrigation.
Sustainability Features & Performance
Ridgemere was designed and built with ease of use, material quality and long-term energy performance in mind.
Key features include:
- Ground-source heat pump for efficient heating.
- Extensive solar arrays on garage port.
- High-performance insulation throughout the building envelope.
- Careful consideration of aspect and orientation to help reduce overheated or cold spaces.
- Large areas of glazing, with Luxaflex motorised blind system, designed to maximise daylight and energy efficiency.
- Mechanical ventilation system.
- Natural materials including zinc, brick and timber cladding.
- Landscape and planting developed to attract wildlife and insects, integrated within the rural setting.
The completed Ridgemere brings together a complex architectural form, carefully coordinated building services and a high level of interior finish within one contemporary new-build project.
As principal construction contractor, Beckwood worked with Vivid Architects, Roomsmiths and the specialist project team to deliver the structure, building envelope and detailed finishes while coordinating elements including the folded green roof, zinc work, extensive glazing and renewable-energy systems.
The result is a highly individual one-off home in which the architectural concept has been carried consistently through construction, services and interior detailing.
Read the full Ridgemere journal story to discover more of the personal story and construction journey behind the home.
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