A British villa with a Scandinavian touch
The Offland villa, south-west of Manchester, is an outstanding example of modern architecture, inspired by a traditional, Scandinavian style. This was delivered by Trigueiros Architecture from Stockholm, which was guided in turn by the design language of Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. In particular, the elegantly curved lines and organic form of the villa recall Aalto’s woodland pavilion from the agricultural exhibition in Lapua 1938.

Transparency at all levels
The transparent base of the house, constructed with a partially rounded mullion/transom façade and a Folding Design sliding door from Schüco, means that the upper floors appear to float. Schüco Design sliding doors and Panorama windows, which open up the cedar wood façade, ensure that rooms are flooded with light and allow for extensive views from the upper floor.

Well hidden
Whilst the ground floor with its floor-to-ceiling glazing drops gracefully below street level, creating a private garden, the upper floor adapts to the natural topography. It gives the villa a low base, which is cleverly concealed among the hedgerows around the border of the narrow property. With its low centre of gravity in the landscape and its charming design, the Offland villa is a building that conveys a feeling of seclusion and proximity to nature despite its prominent place in the urban environment.