stonecroft

the shingle house award winning home

An award-winning reinvention of a Bath hillside home, balancing sustainability, beauty and modern family living.

by PETE HELME

I was absolutely thrilled to photograph the 2025 Homebuilding & Renovating, Grand Designs and RIBA House of the Year award-winning home, and even more excited to see the project featured on the front cover of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine. Having the opportunity to document such an exceptional piece of architecture is always a privilege, but this project felt particularly special.

What was once a tired and unassuming mid-century bungalow on the outskirts of Bath has been transformed into a remarkable contemporary family home. Set within a peaceful wooded hillside and enjoying panoramic views across the city of Bath and towards the Severn Estuary, the property occupies a truly enviable setting. The dramatic transformation has created a home that is both architecturally ambitious and deeply connected to its landscape, making it easy to understand why it captured the attention of judges and design enthusiasts alike.

Known as the Shingle House, Stonecroft is a striking example of how thoughtful architecture can completely reinvent an existing building. Its distinctive exterior is wrapped in warm timber shingles that reference traditional building materials while delivering a refined and contemporary aesthetic. The textured façade changes beautifully throughout the day as light moves across its surface, creating a building that feels alive within its natural surroundings.

nside, the home is a masterclass in restraint, craftsmanship, and considered design. Generous glazing floods the interiors with natural light, while carefully framed views create a constant connection to the landscape beyond. The architecture prioritises simplicity and functionality, allowing materials and detailing to speak for themselves. Every room has been thoughtfully designed to create a sense of openness and flow, while still maintaining a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Throughout the property, natural materials, muted tones, and bespoke joinery have been combined with exceptional attention to detail. Rather than relying on bold gestures, the design succeeds through its quiet confidence and carefully balanced proportions. It is a home that feels contemporary without being overly fashionable, creating spaces that are both beautiful and highly liveable for modern family life.

From a photographic perspective, projects like this are always a joy to capture. The quality of light, the relationship between the building and its setting, and the meticulous attention to detail throughout the interiors provided endless opportunities to create imagery that reflected the architect's vision. Every angle revealed something new, whether it was the way sunlight filtered through the trees, the texture of the timber cladding, or the carefully crafted interior spaces.

Stonecroft is more than just an award-winning house; it is a wonderful example of how intelligent design, sustainability, and craftsmanship can come together to create something truly special. Balancing architectural presence with a sense of intimacy and calm, it stands as a contemporary retreat that remains firmly rooted in its Bath setting while offering a glimpse into the future of thoughtful residential design.