Derwent Valley Villa


The landscape celebrates life and provides for the family’s love of nature and the great outdoors. The endeavour of realising house and garden together is embraced within a verdant wet woodland typology. A visceral interconnection of landscape and architecture fuses external and internal worlds, providing for both youthful energy as much as deep contemplation.


The site is located in the Amber Valley district of Derbyshire. This fluvial valley landscape sits within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Area and its elevated surroundings are the southern foothills of the Pennines. Inspired by the dynamics of the neighbouning fluvial landscape, the garden was designed as a wet woodland fen, collecting water to create moments of tranquility. A close relationship of tree planting and architecture heightens the sense of being protected. Within a landscape of dappled light and framed views, space is articulated to create the possibilities for play, growth, reflection and relaxation.




PROJECT INFO

Client Private
Location Duffield
Date 2019-2021
Area 0.17ha
Trees planted 17
Awards
2023 Homebuilding & Renovating Award - Best Contemporary Home
2022 Landscape Institute Award - Excellence in Small Landscape and Garden Design
2022 RIBA House of the Year - Longlist
2022 RIBA East Midlands Award 
2022 RIBA East Midlands Client of the Year Award

CREDITS

Landscape Architect J&L Gibbons
Architect Blee Halligan
Element Fabrication Mitre & Mondays
Photography
© Henry Woide