This house is long, low, sleek and sophisticated, the architectural equivalent of a fast car, a Ferrari perhaps, but in the brilliant white finish of 1930s modernism. Little wonder that the judges called architect Stephenson Bell’s design for a private client: “an extremely elegant solution”.
The house is located in the conservation area of Hale Barns, Manchester and has stunning views of the Cheshire countryside, and provides a perfect haven for quiet contemplation of those views. Its plan and form respond to the orientation and views from the site, taking advantage of the site’s slope. The house is formed of two blocks which are set at different levels, one incorporating a double height living space that has been lowered into the site’s existing gradient.
Entry to the building is via two bridges: one leading to the upper garage level, and a lightweight steel and glass pedestrian bridge leading to the mezzanine floor that provides a view through the double height living space and towards the external landscaping beyond.
The double height of the living space is dominated by the 5m high, full width glazing to the south. The kitchen is adjacent, and has views through the living space and back up to the road and bridges. The two spaces can be separated by a full height oak sliding door.
The client wanted a clean interior, so all features such as air conditioning grilles, glazing frames, door frames and storage spaces have been designed so that they are not visible. The minimalism of the interiors focuses the eye on the colourful natural world beyond the large expanses of glazing.
Although modernist in design, the house is constructed from conventional loadbearing blockwork, albeit with supplementary steelwork to achieve the required clear spans. Externally, the finish is insulated render with a Jura limestone cladding plinth at low level.
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