Contemporary Curved House, Penpol

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Csa architects were commissioned to create a unique design for this challenging hillside site, in Penpol, Feock. Featured in national "Self Build & Design Magazine" March 2010 edition, front cover story; the scheme has already received much recognition for its high quality design and finish. 

Designed to follow the contours of its hillside setting, this contemporary home is composed of two intersecting curved elements, linked at the front by a glazed walkway and clad in a combination of castle granite and cedar.
The single storey wing contains a large, open plan, living, kitchen, dining room which overlooks the valley and maximises natural light, looking back into the feature, south facing courtyard, through a wall of glazing; a modern interpretation of a colonnade. The interconnecting, rear, two storey wing is an opposing curve and houses a music/TV room, office, cloakroom, store and utility room, with four bedrooms and three bathrooms located on the first floor - designed to peer over the roof of the single storey accommodation to enjoy the far reaching views valley views, whilst the lower rooms have a pleasant, landscaped courtyard outlook. 
The front entrance which links the two wings is made from structural glass and is completely frameless, creating the feeling of an open, south facing courtyard which draws natural light into the living spaces.
The site is located outside of the defined settlement boundary of Feock/Penpol and lies within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but planning permission had been granted in the 1960s for two bungalows. The construction of one, on the adjoining plot, had implemented the planning approval for both in perpetuity - despite the fact that the second bungalow (this site) was never actually built. Therefore, in planning terms; this was an application for a replacement dwelling, which was duly approved in 2007.
At an early stage, even the steeply sloping garden was considered, as an integral part of the design, utilising dry stone walls and terraces which imitate the curves of the house itself.
Attention to detail throughout the design and construction is excellent; including individual curved timber soffits, curved fascias, gutters, as well as the external cladding; even down to the floor finishes, internal and external. The quality of the construction and detailing has totally captured and embraced the original design concept and followed it through.
Quote from the client:
"For me, the high point was that when the house was built it looked exactly like the 3D visualisation. We love the combination of granite and cedar and it's overall appearance. We love it here - the light, views and space are even better than we'd imagined and the curves make it that bit more unique."
The scheme was completed in September 2009

Please click here to download the associated article "Arcs of Triumph"