Our client wanted to create a “James Bond-style” modernist home with a seamless connection to the Tamar Estuary, a place that is both their livelihood and playground. We worked with the natural topography, to create an infill home that rests comfortably on edge of this scenic tidal estuary.
Conceived as a series of stepped forms that cascade towards the water’s edge, forming a series of external areas to be enjoyed by the family.
Internally, the house is designed to provide a series of spaces that work together seamlessly over 3 levels to define the functions of living - Sleep, Live, Work and Play. These levels are all connected by a helical staircase, which acts as a focal point for the architecture both inside and out.
All the living, sleeping, and entertainment spaces are orientated towards the river, whereby the more private and functional spaces are deliberately hidden, utilising the natural topography to create private areas within a semi-basement, including a cinema room & bar.
A corner window extends the vista in the main living area to take in the rolling greenery of Thanckes Park, but importantly it allows a discreet view towards the rear of the client’s mother’s home, allowing interaction and creating a vital sense of connection.
Harmony in architecture is a result of reciprocity with the site and its environment. This home cleverly negotiates its site and engenders a relationship with the Tamar Estuary that profoundly enhances the lives of the family it nurtures.
