THE ARCHITECT’S SKETCHBOOK

UNDERSTANDING CLASSICAL PROPORTIONS IN BESPOKE HOMES

Every project begins with a sketch. At Ascot Design, that concept drawing is guided by rigorous architectural standards and expertise built over two decades of designing unique homes.

When you walk through a beautifully designed home, you might be struck by the harmony of the space. It resonates with an innate sense of rightness that perhaps you can’t quite put into words. This subtle yet profound balance is no accident—it’s a tribute to the power of proportion and an echo of an age-old mathematical concept: the golden ratio.

First recognised by the ancient Greeks, the golden ratio is a principle of proportion that’s been the cornerstone of architectural beauty for millennia. It underlies the orders of classical architecture—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—and has been the unwritten rule that determines the pleasing balance of forms and spaces.

At Ascot Design, we weave this principle into the fabric of our work, creating bespoke homes that harmonise the timeless aesthetic of classical architecture with the demands of modern living.

Consider, for instance, a home designed in the Doric style—the earliest and most fundamental of the Greek orders. The Doric column, with its fluted shaft and simple, rounded capital, gives the home a robust and masculine appearance. Such design features hark back to the strength and austerity of ancient Greek temples, yet when reinterpreted through our contemporary lens, they infuse the residence with a timeless sophistication.

Or take the Corinthian order— characterised by slender fluted columns and ornate capitals adorned with acanthus leaves, it lends a feminine, elaborate touch to the home, perfect for the client who values grandeur and grace.

In each of these design choices, we draw inspiration from classical elements and strive to stay as close to these details as possible within the classical orders, aiming to create architecture that surpasses typical contemporary standards, and realises the client’s dream home. By paying attention to all the fine details, we design these houses to feel right in every aspect – aesthetic and functional – and ensure they are in compliance with planning and building regulations.

Of course, a classical home should be more than just a work of art—it should also be a sanctuary that seamlessly integrates into the owner’s lifestyle. That’s why we strive to marry form with function. Each Ascot Design home is meticulously crafted to ensure that its aesthetic qualities don’t compromise its comfort and practicality.

Clients who approach us often possess a deep appreciation for classical architecture, even if they lack the architectural expertise to express it. They trust us to realise their dreams of a timeless, elegant home that expresses their personal taste with architectural integrity. This is where our use of cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality (VR) comes in. We give our clients an immersive, VR experience of their proposed design, allowing them to visualise how their new home will look, feel, and flow. This informed perspective enables them to make decisions confidently, reassured that the final result will possess both design integrity and practicality.

In the world of Ascot Design, classical architecture is more than just a style—it’s a testament to the enduring power of proportion and a nod to the grandeur of the past. With our deep understanding of classical design principles, commitment to innovation, and a client-centric approach, we are redefining high-end living, one timeless home at a time.