A new build rural family home on a large sloping site on the outskirts of St. Briavels, Gloucestershire.

 

Replacing an existing cottage which has fallen into disrepair, the concept was to create a cranked house that took advantage of the sloped site and changing sun path at different times of the day and year. Our clients were keen to maximize the surrounding landscape and make a strong connection both visually and physically to provide a home that will support a growing and changing family.

 

With the requirement to create a large open and connected space, kitchen, dining, living, work and play are integrated in one way or another. This is further supplemented by individual ‘bureau’ desk spaces which can be hidden away for each family member. An element of fun became a major part of the brief for this space with a climbing wall and fireman’s pole connecting both levels. More private incidental places to sit, read and relax have been incorporated throughout, manifest in the staircase library, deep set window seats and ‘Crows Nest’.

 

Large, carefully placed windows frame the landscape in each room, whilst internally, mezzanine and double height spaces visually and physically connect the inhabitants.

 

Both ‘dirty’ and ‘clean’ entrances were developed in the scheme allowing the family to maintain their active outdoor lifestyle without impacting the order of this bespoke home.

 

The use of stone, raw timber, and a light metal roof take their cue from the local farm outbuilding vernacular in the area, as do the two stone gables that form solid bookends to the house.

 

Location:  

St. Briavels, Gloucestershire

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Site Constraints/Other:

Demolition of existing cottage, Wye Valley AONB, Ecology

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Status:       

RIBA Stage 5 Construction 

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