Based on a dialogue about Mondrian’s paintings
Stephenson Studio for Rob and Kay Hodgson
Contract value: £450,000
GIA: 175m2
RSAW Small Project of the Year
Cefn Castell occupies a remote coastal site overlooking Cardigan Bay. It replaces the remains of a cottage that had occupied the site for 400 years. This is used to form the outer walls that frame the house.
The coastal path on both sides, and the building’s orientation and views, defined the design approach. But this is not just a simple exercise in modernism; an elegant composition in solid and void, glass and white render. On closer inspection, there is a rigour to the design, based on a dialogue between client and architect about the paintings of Piet Mondrian. A painting inspired by the French artist sits at the heart of the property and acts as a kind of maquette for the architecture that surrounds it.
As with most of Mondrian’s work it was as much to do with the space beyond the canvas as that visible to the viewer. This understanding has been played out to great effect by the architects.
See other winners in the RIBA Regional Awards 2015 – Wales