Ghost House in Stratford-upon-Avon, England by BPN Architects.

BPN Architects brought to life the ‘Ghost House’ in the grounds of a demolished country home, in the medieval town of Stratford-upon-Avon in England. Specifically, the property is set within the small and unique rural settlement of Moreton Paddox, which the original country house was named after, now known for its ambitious contemporary architecture. At their time of construction, many of the original plots and properties would have been considered cutting edge.

Situated at the end of the former main drive, Ghost House is partially sunken within the original garden and bound by retaining walls on three sides. From the road, the house is only partially visible, offering just a glimpse. A dramatic entrance reveals itself on approach, featuring a path across a reflective pool that leads to a sunken courtyard framed by gridded steel-framed windows. The entrance leads to an expansive open-plan living, kitchen and dining room that opens onto another courtyard via a double-height glass wall.

A concrete-loving client challenged BPN Architects to deliver one of few in-situ concrete houses in the UK. The resulting exposed concrete interiors were heavily inspired by Tadao Ando, internationally respected for his pioneering work with concrete. The material is left bare throughout the home, showcasing an ‘as cast’ finish. Careful detailing includes casting in all sockets and light fittings and considering formwork throughout. The architects credit Design2e and Webb Yates structural engineers, who were commissioned to undertake the concrete design and detailing.

The design keeps the material palette intentionally sparse, with the dominant concrete primarily complemented by black steel details. Symmetrical folded-steel staircases in the main entrance area lead up to the master bedroom on the upper floor, with two more bedrooms and a cinema room set on the ground floor. In addition to the sunken courtyards, skylights and LED strip lights provide bright illumination throughout the Ghost House.