For many self-builders, the dream begins with finding the perfect plot. For Anna and Edward, that dream started with an ancient oak tree.
Located in Woolverstone, Suffolk, their one-and-a-half-acre site included a tired bungalow that sat within the tree’s root protection zone. Rather than renovate, the couple saw an opportunity to create a future-proofed family home that would celebrate both the landscape and the tree that first captured their imagination.
Working with architect Juliet Moore, they developed a brief for a contemporary forever home that would be filled with natural light, offer flexibility for changing family needs, and maintain a constant connection to the outdoors.
“The oak tree was one of the main reasons we bought the plot,” explains Anna. “We wanted the new house to be connected to the garden and allow us to see the tree from as many spaces as possible.”
The resulting design comprises three interlocking volumes arranged around a dramatic double-height atrium. Living, sleeping and utility spaces are carefully zoned, creating a home that feels both expansive when entertaining and comfortable when occupied by just the two of them.
Architect Juliet Moore’s concept centred on creating views through and across the building. Strategic glazing frames the landscape at every opportunity, while carefully positioned openings allow daylight to animate the interiors throughout the day.
“A series of colliding pavilions housing the living, sleeping and amenity spaces come together to form a dramatic central atrium,” says Moore. “All with a view of the tree.”
The project also had ambitious sustainability goals. Alongside photovoltaic panels, a green roof and highly insulated construction, the glazing specification played a critical role in achieving the home’s energy performance targets.
Initially, Anna and Edward had not planned to install triple glazing. However, discussions with local glazing specialists okoHaus highlighted the potential benefits for both comfort and efficiency.
The solution was VELFAC 200 triple-glazed windows throughout, complemented by a VELFAC Ribo glazed entrance door. The slim-profile composite system combines internal timber with an external aluminium finish, helping to deliver strong thermal performance while maximising daylight and views.
“The products offered the balance of performance and aesthetics we were looking for,” says Edward. “They’ve helped the house achieve an EPC A rating while maintaining the clean architectural lines we wanted.”
For self-builders, achieving this balance is often one of the biggest challenges. Large areas of glazing can transform a home’s relationship with its surroundings, but they must also meet increasingly demanding energy-efficiency requirements.
At Timbers, the glazing helps create a seamless visual connection between inside and out. Narrow sightlines maximise glass area, drawing daylight deep into the floorplan while framing views of the garden and surrounding landscape.
The colour specification was also carefully considered. Jet Black external frames complement the home’s dark cladding, while crisp white internal finishes create a bright, contemporary interior. Select elements, including the front door and office windows, feature a contrasting Leaf Green finish that adds character and visual interest.
Beyond aesthetics, practical considerations were equally important. As a long-term home, accessibility and adaptability were built into the design from the outset. Flush thresholds, generous circulation spaces and ground-floor amenities ensure the property can evolve with the owners’ future needs.
Today, Timbers stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through thoughtful design, careful specification and a clear vision. The house feels deeply rooted in its setting, with every room maintaining a relationship to the landscape that inspired it.
The materials have been selected to age gracefully, from cedar cladding that will weather naturally over time to a wildflower roof designed to self-seed and evolve with the seasons. At the heart of it all remains the ancient oak tree, now protected and celebrated rather than threatened.
For Anna and Edward, the result is more than just a new home. It is a place designed for family gatherings, everyday living and the decades ahead.
And for self-builders seeking inspiration, Timbers demonstrates how the right combination of architecture, sustainability and glazing design can create a home that is every bit as beautiful as it is practical.