Sugwells, Shirwell

We sought approval under the fallback position to significantly improve all aspects of the previously approved scheme, without being restricted/ hindered by the constraints of the existing barn structure. Our aim was to realise a dwelling which is better related to its setting, more diverse in mass and scale, enhanced in appearance and more efficient in terms of building fabric.

Project Location:

Shirwell, North Devon

Project Size:

250m2

Service:

RIBA 1-4b

Completion:

Spring 2025

The current approval is just another duplication of what has commonly been approved in North Devon and does not respond well to the content. A successful building should respond to context, and Class Q limits this; realising acontextual buildings which would never normally be designed in such a location Our revised scheme proposes a range of staggering volumes, asymmetry and a range of opening sizes and positions. The variety avoids regimentation and arguably reduces emphasis on domestic features.

The natural stone wall which wraps around the south and east of the ground floor resembles an old stone garden wall, which has a building slotted behind it. This masonry feature roots the building in the landscape and begins to ‘crumble’ as it descends to the existing Devon hedgebank to the east. The zinc wrapped roof and first floor resemble metal sheds and hints back at the current approval in terms of materiality. This continues down to the ground floor to the north which again has a traditional, barn appearance.