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An Englishman's Haus
Northways, East Woodway, Hampshire
Given our enduring love affair
with old rustic houses, the enthusiasm shown in this country
for the designs of the German family building firm, Huf
Haus, is quite remarkable. Even before a glowingly successful
feature on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, Huf Haus had
picked up a string of National Home Builder Design Awards
and a more-than-healthy UK order book. Furthermore, Huf
Haus themselves report that, in addition to contemporary
design, their UK buyers place their environmentally sensitive
construction and energy efficiency high on their list
of priorities. Does this Bauhaus-inspired success indicate
a significant shift in British tastes and demands, or
is it merely catering to a statistically irrelevant niche?
Like every Huf Haus, Northways in Hampshire was individually
commissioned and designed using established Huf Haus techniques.
Built in 2003 for its current owners, it was constructed
by the specialist German team, using materials manufactured
and finished in Germany. Meticulously organised and programmed
in advance, the post and beam construction method employed
is highly traditional and centuries old but, because it
involves no load bearing walls, naturally lends itself
to the open, flexible designs |
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so beloved of contemporary
stylists. Through their use of modern laminates and other
strong and energy efficient materials, Huf Haus also create
a house that has a relatively small ‘ecological footprint’
and is energy efficient to run. The result is this light,
open and exciting home which, for all its alien origins,
is wonderfully suited to the beautiful countryside in
which it sits.
Whether any UK builders see their future in such techniques
remains to be seen. Most would point out that, in national
terms, Huf Haus is tiny. They have built an average of
about ten houses each year over the eight years they have
been here, whilst others have built ten thousand. But
in the market for privately commissioned luxury homes,
Huf Haus’s share is significant and their buyers
more influential than most. Finally, it is worth remembering
that, unlike the buyers of almost every other new house
each year, those commissioning a Huf Haus can have any
design they want. The warm public reaction to Huf Haus
designs suggests that many more of those buying a new
house in this country would, if they too could afford
the choice, opt for one made in Germany.
Northways is currently being offered by the Newbury
office at a guide price of £975,000. |
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Stronger still in the south: new
Dorking office now up and running.
I am delighted to announce that we have opened a new office
at the heart of rural Surrey, in Dorking. The office is
run by two highly successful and experienced partners,
Colin Hughes and Alan King who, between them, have amassed
nearly 60 years in the property business. Most importantly,
that experience has been gained within the local market.
For our service overall, Dorking provides an important
link in our excellent coverage of the whole of southern
England, from Kent to Cornwall.
Andrew Froude FRICS Chairman |
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