Sidbrook, Taunton
We were commissioned to prepare an application for a dwelling within the grounds of a large house, whereby we had no brief from the client and complete free reign on what we could design. We decided that we would knock down the old stables to create a tiered contemporary dwelling within the extremities of the site. This contemporary high-end dwelling benefits from undisturbed views over the Vale of Taunton, Wellington Monument, and beyond.
The property is designed around a square base at ground floor level which steps down with the topography of the site, this approach provides greater reduction in mass and scale. At the first floor level, a cross form sits atop the ground floor with the principal bedroom cantilevering over the Terrace below, creating a covered dining space, it also includes a large picture window maximising the views. All other bedrooms benefit from large windows that take advantage of the outlook of the site.
Outdoor living is enhanced with a floating terrace that runs the length of the building and allows the occupants to access this space from the kitchen, dining and living areas.
A simple palette of multi-tonal grey brickwork on the ground floor provides a strong base to the building, this material is expressed internally with key walls and the dual-aspect chimney. The first floor of the building is wrapped in black standing seam cladding with a changing gauge to add further interest to the elevation. The roof is finished with sedum ‘living’ roofs that enhance biodiversity and ecology on-site.
