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skylark, shropshire
and a storage room. This confi guration keeps the children close to the parents while maintaining privacy. In total, Skylark comprises four bedrooms and a variety of functional spaces designed to support fl exible family-oriented living. Throughout the home, rectilinear details are repeated within the form and structure. Large windows compose views, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. Simple lines appear in the built-in furniture like kitchen bench nook, cabinetry and shelving creating a sense of order while contributing to a clean design that is functional and visually pleasing. High ceilings and beam detailing add to the sense of spaciousness. Materiality is pared-back yet impactful.
Externally, linear light grey Danish brick defi nes the facades, selected after extensive research, showroom visits and mock-up panels. The client infl uenced the shape, colour, and tone, wanting a distinctive presence within the area. Castellated detailing, inspired by the Tate Modern, introduces texture, rhythm and shadow across the brick surfaces. Internally, natural and honest materials
reinforce a sense of warmth and continuity. Lime plaster sourced from Herefordshire covers the walls, chestnut timber from a nearby timber yard forms the ceilings, and clever bespoke joinery crafted locally integrates with the architecture. Deep veined marble features on the kitchen worktop and bathroom sink, and the external castellated detail is refl ected internally in the dining
banquette. The palette of lime, timber and concrete allows the spatial qualities and material textures to dominate. Environmental performance and sustainability are embedded throughout the design. Skylark employs air source heat pumps and MVHR systems to deliver highly effi cient thermal regulation. The concrete fl oors act as thermal mass, retaining heat in winter and moderating temperature in summer to minimise energy consumption. Biodiversity was enhanced through extensive planting, including 2,000 bulbs, new trees, and pollinator-friendly species, transforming the site into a thriving landscape. The green roof further supports ecology while improving insulation and stormwater management. Much of the material palette was
sourced locally, refl ecting House Of EM’s commitment to contextual design. Skylark demonstrates House Of EM’s design principles in practice: architecture and interior design that is rooted in its surroundings, meticulously detailed from inside out, and realised for clients willing to embrace a collaborative approach. Matthew Sanders, Founding Director at House Of EM, said: “Skylark allowed us to explore how architecture can be both ambitious and intimately connected to place. Working closely with the client enabled us to deliver a home that is bold, considered, and deeply rooted in context.” Emma Bodie, Founding Director at House
Of EM, said: “Collaborating with James and Sam made the process seamless. The result is a home that feels modern, distinctive, and entirely in harmony with its surroundings.”
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