House of Em completes first project: a minimalist riverside home in Shropshire

House of Em, an architecture firm established by ex-Michaelis Boyd directors Emma Bodie and Matthew Sanders, has unveiled its inaugural project: Skylark, a minimalist home situated along the River Teme in Shropshire, UK. This residence, characterized by an F-shaped layout, harmonizes with the landscape using natural materials such as timber and brick. The ground level features an open social area, a guest suite, utility spaces, a home office, and a gym, while the upper floor accommodates four adaptable bedrooms for family living. Sustainability elements include air source heat pumps, MVHR systems, extensive landscaping (2,000 bulbs, new trees, and pollinator-friendly plants), and a green roof for insulation and stormwater control. The architects worked closely with clients James and Sam Charters and their children, blending modernist design with the surrounding greenery to achieve a sense of spaciousness, simplicity, and warmth.