Tawse

This modern family home is a first for Baufritz in the UK. While we have built houses on stilts in the past, this is the first to be assembled on a steel platform. Situated on a riverside plot in a picturesque location near Wargrave, nestled between two rivers, the site is a designated flood zone. The house is set slightly back from the river and raised to reduce the risk of water damage in case of flooding. It has a contemporary design with white render walls and a flat roof with a butterfly construction. Windows of various sizes – from turn-and-tilt windows to full-height sliding French doors – fill the house with natural light. The house’s riverside location has a unique charm. The pace of life is slower, and the wonderful nature along the river is a world away from the bustle of the city.

Fact sheet

Roof shape

Flat roof

Façade

Render

Bedrooms

Dimensions in m

10.08 x 16.33

Gross External Area in ft² (incl. basement if present)

3544

Taking living to a higher level

CEO Baufritz (UK) Ltd.

Oliver Rehm

"The main challenge here was the access to the site along a single-traffic lane with two very narrow bridges and several tight corners. Thanks to the client’s hands-on approach and the light-weight timber construction, we were able to minimise the amount of traffic and avoid disturbing the neighbours."

Living by the river

The Tawse family had long dreamt of a waterside home. So when a riverside plot came up for sale in the area, they jumped at the opportunity. The stunning natural surroundings are teeming with wildlife, providing a calming backdrop. The garden around the house is low-lying with a mixture of mature and newly planted trees.

Raising the stakes

The house sits on a steel platform approximately 1.8 meters above ground level. A total of 72 piles were each bored 15 meters into the ground and connected underground by a steel and concrete foundation. Concrete was poured onto the steel frame to support the house and attach the wall elements. Steps lead up to an open balcony with timber decking. The entire steel frame was managed by the client.

Light and airy

The interiors are bright and spacious, with large windows that let the light flood in and offer an unimpeded view of the stunning natural surroundings. Beautiful, high-quality materials such as hardwood floors create a sense of luxury. As no harmful chemicals have been used in manufacturing the house, the air inside is healthy, too.

A NEW LEVEL OF LIVING

Two children’s bedrooms, a guest bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, and the master bedroom with a bathroom and dressing room on the first floor are accessed via an open staircase with a glass balustrade and timber handrails. The stairwell has double-height fixed glazing that can be partially shaded to keep the house cooler in summer.

Floor plans

Ground Floor

First Floor

HIGH AND DRY

House Tawse is built on land classified as flood zone three with a high risk of flooding. The house is raised on stilts to protect it against rising water levels, so it stays dry whatever the weather. The house is extremely energy-efficient, with an airtight construction, triple glazing, and walls and ceilings with Baufritz’s patented insulation material made with wood shavings.

Between land and water

In the face of climate change, we need to build houses that are more resilient. Baufritz homes are the ideal solution. They are manufactured off-site on our flexible modular building system and transported to the final location for assembly. As a result, they have a much lower environmental impact. It also means they are particularly suited to sites with poor accessibility.