Heatherlands is a substantial addition to an existing house, built in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Dorset Devon border. It responds carefully to the folding of the landscape and roof pitches of the existing house, the folds create splits which highlight views, both concealing and opening to them. A new living room forms a transition point between the old and the new, collecting reflected views and light. Situated to the West of the existing house, the structure takes the stance of a traditional outbuilding, acting as a paddock boundary whilst protecting the gardens. The addition defines a new approach to the building, entrance court and outdoor terrace to the South. Adopting a number of sustainable strategies the building includes passive ventilation, sustainable materials and highly insulated construction. The existing building is wrapped in shingle, which will weather together with the new larch rainscreens, covering the addition.
The brief focused on the ability for the clients to obtain essential health facilities for avid swimmer.s They wanted a major upgrade that included a gym, sauna and pool as well as a new master bedroom suite, living room, garages and storage. The pool facilities, including changing, washing and exercise spaces, are housed in a sunken level. Meanwhile household program is woven in, tying the new functions tightly into everyday life. The new living room is positioned to the West end of the existing house, suspended above the pool, collecting reflected light and views as the sun tracks the from South-East split openings to the low Western picture window. This also provides a visual connection to a restored Airstream trailer that functions as an additional guest room.
To reach the pool, the route turns from the living room and descends into progressively heavier and more enclosing areas including vertical, top lit spaces within the core, before being released into the space of the pool room. This approach provides a series of buffer zones between the main house and the humidity of the pool. Above, the master suite pushes out Westwards, opening to spectacular views and providing it with a sense of privacy from the main house.
