A 20th century house resurrected for viable modern living
Coppin Dockray for private client
Contract value: £235,000
GIA: 165m2
RIBA South West Small Project of the Year
Ansty Plum is a 20th century house, resurrected for viable modern living without damaging the original. What has been taken away and not added is as important as what has been rescued or retained. The building is now perhaps as close to its original form as at any time in its subsequent development. Careful thought has led to a building that is discreetly and successfully heated, lit, insulated and serviced, leaving the interior intact and the house’s future assured. Yet one could debate the change in atmosphere created by replacing the original brick floor to allow underfloor heating and service improvements.
The stone shell of the dilapidated Smithson designed studio adjacent to the house has also been inhabited to provide extra accommodation. The apparent collapsed state of the building could have led to a slightly bolder architecture, but the rebuild is fastidiously faithful to the spirit of the original while adding considerable comfort and some delight.
See other winners of the RIBA Regional Awards 2016 – South West