The structural design of a contemporary new-build home in the countryside near Lyme Regis, combining timber, masonry and reinforced concrete to respond to the architecture and the sloping rural site.

A key part of the brief was the client's desire to use natural materials wherever possible. Timber therefore formed an important part of the primary structure, requiring careful consideration of achievable spans, member depths and the relationship between the structure and the architectural layout.

Rather than simply introducing steelwork to achieve longer spans, the structural arrangement was developed collaboratively with the client to work within the practical limitations of timber. This allowed exposed and concealed timber elements to be incorporated throughout the building while retaining the character and material palette of the original design.

The lower portions of the house incorporate masonry and reinforced concrete construction, with the foundations and reinforced concrete floor structure designed to respond to the site's levels and support the timber structure above.

The result is a structural solution in which the choice of materials forms an integral part of the architecture, balancing structural efficiency with the client's preference for a natural, timber-led building.