Five design tips to steal from this modern eco-friendly home in the English countryside

There are many things to consider when looking for a new home – its location, its architectural style, and, most recently, its impact on the planet. 

As we become more conscious of the importance of living sustainably, eco-friendly homes are becoming a priority. Buyers are looking for properties that will help and not hinder the planet. And Skyfall, a fashionable modern home in the opulent Buckinghamshire countryside, does precisely that. 

Though it is not officially a Bond house, Skyfall would fit effortlessly into the stylish spy franchise – with luxe white interiors, minimal home decor features, and a richly verdant location. However, what makes the property so notable is its exceptional eco-friendly design, which includes a unique Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage System and solar panels, meaning the house can be totally carbon-free.

What lessons can we learn about stylish and sustainable living from Skyfall? Here, we take a tour to find out. 

1. Sustainability can still be impeccably stylish 

(Image credit: Knight Frank)

If we’re going to take one thing from this property, it is that we can have an eco-friendly home without sacrificing its chicness. The property creates its hot water via eight solar thermal panels on the roof and features a state of art green heating system that ensures the property is entirely green. Plus, the home has Sedum green roofs, which filter particulate matter from the air and convert CO2 into oxygen, thus contributing to air purification. 

But what do these features teach us? That, despite several large sustainable features, the interior and exterior are still immaculate. These features do not hinder the home’s aesthetic; instead, they bless it with smart assets that will keep the property running efficiently and sustainably for centuries to come. 

2. Natural light is a home’s best feature – so emphasize it 

(Image credit: Knight Frank)

While we’re lusting over all of this home's interiors, we’re particularly inspired by a feature that almost every home has – its windows. While not every window is quite as luxe as these large window-panes, we’re taking notes on the lack of window dressings that drench the floor in sunlight. If we’re bold enough to ditch curtains, we can only hope it gives our homes the same airy glow we see here in Skyfall. 

3. Then when it gets dark – use continuous linear lighting

(Image credit: Knight Frank)

While the natural light is the home’s attractive feature, the sun must set over Buckinghamshire sometime. When dusk falls, Skyfall’s lights continue the home’s luxe aura through concealed continuous linear lighting, which subtly illuminates several rooms in the house, including the bedroom, living, and dining room space. And the best part? It’s entirely eco-friendly, naturally.  

4. Create a broken plan space with glass 

(Image credit: Knight Frank)

Skyfall’s use of glass continues to fascinate beyond its windows – to its ingenious use of glass separators that are used to break up the open-plan layout of the home. This clever technique means the rooms continue to feel light and fresh while having separate zones to work, relax, dine and party, when the time comes. 

5. Inject vibrancy through statement pieces of furniture 

(Image credit: Knight Frank)

See: How to make your home sustainable - RIBA architects share their advice

While Skyfall epitomizes a Scandi-cool palette, it’s certainly not afraid to showcase bold rainbow hues where necessary. The home’s minimalist canvas exquisitely frames its vibrant furnishings  – allowing them to stand out against the monochromic statement and act as a cool statement representing the individual who calls the house their home. 

This homeowner could soon be you, as this five-bed property located on Hitcham Lane in Taplow is currently listed with Knight Frank for £4.5 million ($6.2 million). 

Plus, at just over half an hour away from Paddington station in Central London, it seems this house really does have everything we look for in a home. The perfect location, a striking architectural signature, and a minimal impact on the planet.