THE BLACK BIRD

DEVON HAUS*

Our approach to this design was heavily influenced by the natural landscape surrounding this beautiful site and the importance of meeting the clients brief.

We created a sculpted plinth formed from the landscape to give the building a grounding within the historic setting, a dancing pavilion above is designed to reflect views of the estuary nearby and takes inspiration from a bird in flight.

The upper level houses the main living spaces and main bedroom. Taking advantage of the stunning vistas across the landscape offering panoramic views to

the Estuary and beyond, the top floor of the building faces east to south-east and is flooded with sunlight throughout the day.

From the upper level one is free to access the grounds of the site which include landscaped gardens, water features and summerhouse. Ancillary spaces are located at ground level including one guest bedroom and a study (that could be converted into a bedroom), gallery, cinema room, garage and a private water courtyard.

Hidden from view and setback from the roof terrace is the ‘lookout’, an open rooftop landscape, with 360-degree views across the landscape. It is inspired by the

historic military watchtowers that have overlooked the Devon coastline since Roman times. At night this becomes an observatory to the stars.

Step free access and large corridors allow ease of access throughout the interior spaces, a platform lift allows mobility access between the main levels of the building.

A mathematician is a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat which isn’t there.

NATURALIST (1809 – 1882)
CHARLES DARWIN

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