House Forme by AO Design Studio

Nestled in the heart of Exeter village, House Forme is a contemporary pavilion-style residence that balances privacy, openness, and a strong connection to its surroundings. The design unfolds as a series of three pavilions, carefully positioned around a private central courtyard that acts as the heart of the home. A defining element of the composition is a recycled brick blade wall that runs through the dwelling, providing a sense of enclosure, shielding the courtyard from the street, and creating a layered journey through the spaces.
The house is not just a dwelling but an experience, defined by its axial planning and carefully framed vistas. Every movement through the home is considered, leading the eye along sightlines that reveal moments of nature, light, and texture. These axial relationships establish a rhythm, guiding inhabitants through an interplay of solid and void, compression and release, enclosure and openness. The result is a home that feels both grounded in its rural setting and expansive in its spatial experience.

At the core of the design is an emphasis on movement and experience, shaped by a deliberate use of axis and framed views. The home is structured along a primary circulation spine, with key sightlines extending beyond the walls to capture moments of landscape, materiality, and light. The effect is one of discovery, where spaces reveal themselves gradually, and each turn offers a new perspective.

This axial approach ensures that the courtyard is not merely an enclosed outdoor space but an integrated part of the home’s spatial experience. It becomes a moment of pause, offering a sense of calm and respite, particularly when viewed from within the living spaces. The positioning of openings along these axes allows for framed views that extend the perception of space, blurring the distinction between inside and outside.

House Forme is a study in balance between privacy and openness, contemporary design and rural charm, form and function. It is a home that is deeply connected to its site, shaped by its materiality, and defined by its spatial experience. The integration of sustainable design strategies ensures that it remains comfortable, efficient, and resilient over time.

Architecture: AO Design Studio

Planning: AO Design Studio

Basix Certificate: Application Solutions

Wastewater: Civil and Structural Engineering

Geotechnical Engineer: Civil and Structural Engineering

Structural Engineer: Residential Engineering

Hydraulic Engineer: Residential Engineering

Builder: Birdy Homes

Photography: Neil Fenelon