Cobham House, Hampshire, England property design

Cobham House, Hampshire residence photos, English contemporary property design, Modern UK home in Twyford

Cobham House in Hampshire, UK

29 August 2025

Design: Adam Knibb Architects

Location: Twyford, Hampshire, South of England, UK

Photos: Richard Chivers

Cobham House in Twyford – Modern Hampshire Home Design

Adam Knibb Architects have completed the transformative extension and refurbishment of Cobham House in the heart of Twyford, Hampshire, a contemporary redesign of a home originally constructed in 2010. The project delivers an architecturally cohesive and environmentally responsible family residence, sensitively tailored to the evolving needs of its owners.

The brief called for a future-proof, flexible home that harmonised with the existing architecture while incorporating sustainable materials and technologies. The result is a seamless, contemporary addition that enhances the spatial flow, natural light, and energy performance of the original building, while respecting its distinctive character and setting within a conservation area.

Seamless Extension with Character and Context
The design approach took inspiration from the existing building’s architectural language, preserving its clean lines and horizontal emphasis, while softening the exterior palette with natural timber cladding and neutrally painted masonry. The new elements extend the ground floor footprint without compromising privacy or overwhelming the original form. Large-format glazing and carefully framed views bring in natural light and connect the home to its leafy surroundings.

Internally, the redesign introduces generous, light-filled living spaces ideal for modern family life. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas open onto the garden, creating a dynamic connection between inside and out. A reconfigured layout introduces casual breakout spaces, a feature fireplace and a series of calm, flexible rooms that support a growing family’s needs.

Built for the Future: Sustainability in Focus
From concept to completion, the project placed environmental responsibility at its core. Building on the strengths of the original design’s solar orientation, the extension includes:

Solar control glazing to maximise daylight while preventing overheating

High-performance insulation and airtightness to reduce energy demand

Retained and upgraded solar panels

An existing air source heat pump, maintained as the primary heating system

Sustainably sourced timber (FSC/PEFC certified where possible) for cladding and detailing

Water-saving features, including aerated taps and dual-flush toilets
Biodiversity enhancements, such as a sedum roof, bee barns, bat and bird boxes, and a hedgehog house

These elements contribute to a low-carbon, energy-efficient home that not only reduces operational costs but fosters long-term environmental stewardship.

Enhancing Heritage, Respecting Place
Though contemporary in language, the architecture is grounded in its historic village context. The design team worked closely with planning officers to ensure the proposal respected local conservation guidelines. Painted brickwork and timber detailing reflect materials used elsewhere in the village, while adjustments to glazing and boundary treatments enhance views through the site and soften the overall appearance of the home.

A New Chapter
Cobham House is a thoughtful, resilient reimagining of a 21st-century home — one that meets the evolving needs of its owners while setting a benchmark for sustainability and sensitive design in historic village settings.

For Adam Knibb Architects, the project stands as a testament to the practice’s commitment to contextual innovation, sustainability, and design that enriches everyday life.

Original building design by T2 architects.

What was the primary vision behind the design of Cobham House, and how does it reflect the concept of ‘Future-Proof Family Living’?

The design approach took inspiration from the existing building’s architectural language, preserving its clean lines and horizontal emphasis, while softening the exterior palette with natural timber cladding and neutrally painted masonry. The new elements extend the ground floor footprint without compromising privacy or overwhelming the original form. Large-format glazing and carefully framed views bring in natural light and connect the home to its leafy surroundings.