Top Road House
A contemporary home rooted in its landscape
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Overview
Set within the rolling Somerset countryside, Top Road House demonstrates how thoughtful landscape architecture can help a contemporary home feel deeply connected to its surroundings. Inspired by the site’s agricultural history and former mining activity, the project balances modern living with a strong respect for place, creating a home that sits naturally within the landscape rather than competing with it.
BoonBrown was appointed to undertake a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) alongside the development of a landscape masterplan. Together, these informed both the architecture and wider site strategy, ensuring the proposals responded sensitively to the character of the rural setting.
Designing with the Landscape
The surrounding landscape played a central role in shaping the project from the outset.
Rather than imposing a building onto the site, the design evolved from an understanding of the existing topography, local character and long-distance views. Much of the home is built into the hillside, allowing it to sit comfortably within the landform while reducing its visual impact on the wider countryside.
This landscape-led approach helped create a home that feels rooted in its setting, strengthening the connection between architecture and environment.
Celebrating Local Character
The design draws inspiration from the working history of the site and the vernacular architecture of the surrounding area.
Locally appropriate materials were carefully selected to reflect this heritage, including historic clay roof tiles, timber cladding and reconstructed retaining walls that echo the character of the former agricultural and mining landscape. These details help the building feel like a natural extension of its surroundings while giving it a distinctive contemporary identity.
Softening the Built Form
A carefully considered planting strategy was developed to integrate the house into the wider landscape.
Strategic tree planting, green roofs and landscape enhancements help soften the appearance of the development and strengthen its relationship with the surrounding countryside. As planting matures, the house becomes increasingly woven into the landscape, enhancing biodiversity and reducing visual impact.
The result is a setting that feels established, natural and connected to the rural character of the area.
Framing Exceptional Views
One of the site’s defining qualities is its dramatic outlook across the countryside towards the Bristol Channel and Wales beyond.
Large areas of glazing were carefully positioned to capture these far-reaching views, creating a constant visual connection with the landscape. The experience of the home is shaped as much by what can be seen beyond its walls as by the building itself, reinforcing the importance of landscape in the design process.
