My first impression of Eagle Rock house was that it was lightweight, insubstantial, even temporary. But at the same time I was intrigued. The more I investigated, the more I realised that this is actually an incredibly strong design created to make a statement. The large planes of glazing and lightweight steel structure allow the building to blend into its background and the transitions between inside and outside space to become gentle and natural. The original concept of a bird can be seen not only in the overall plan form and volumes of the building but in the way it is camouflaged in its woodland setting. The architect has used the bird metaphor to the last detail: even the external blinds represent feathers, their movement described by the architect as being ruffled in the breeze. This attention to detail was recognised by the award of the <i>Architectural Design</i> Silver Medal in 1983. Photo 5 of 11 in 10 Wildly Innovative U.K. Homes of the 20th Century That Outshine the Rest

10 Wildly Innovative U.K. Homes of the 20th Century That Outshine the Rest

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Designed by Ritchie Studio, Eagle Rock house’s large planes of glazing and lightweight steel structure allow the building to blend into its background and the transitions between inside and outside space to become gentle and natural. The original concept of a bird can be seen not only in the overall plan form and volumes of the building but in the way it is camouflaged in its woodland setting. The architect has used the bird metaphor to the last detail: Even the external blinds represent feathers, their movement described by the architect as being ruffled in the breeze. This attention to detail was recognized by the award of the Architectural Design Silver Medal in 1983.