Cunelands House
by Tom Brooksbank Architect
Client Private
Awards RIBA Yorkshire Award 2017 and RIBA Yorkshire Emerging Architect of the Year 2017
Cunelands House is located in idyllic English countryside in Malton off a small country road. The project is an extension and consolidation of existing pairs of semi-detached cottages and the associated wash-houses. Whilst the house appears to be modest in its contextual response, respecting the morphological and material sensibilities, the grandness of the spatial qualities belies its outward modesty (like the owners), with its spacious scale and contemporary interior with hint of arts and craft in detail and décor.
The interior of the cottages has been completely rebuilt, retaining only their exterior shell with the demolition of the outhouses, whilst keeping and re-using the same bricks for the new extension. The soft and natural landscape offers a sharp contrast to the public face which is defined by harder, rustic, minimal, yet controlled textured surfaces offering a sense of surprise and a hint of richness to be discovered once inside the house.
A house is a very private and intimate space, where one is reassured in all aspects; the design of this house clearly demonstrates a deep understanding of this intimacy and primal need. The level of control exhibited in all aspects is outstanding - from the delicate sliding doors with matching wood veneer infills made of the fallen trees from the site - to wonderfully composed interior rustic finishes - to the decorative ornate walls containing memories of the past. A delightful intimate cave!
Contractor Paley Bros
Structural EngineerDaniel Cox
Environmental / M&E EngineerAdam Tyler
Landscape ArchitectsPhillippa May
Interior DesignAveril Blundell
Planning ConsultantDiane Baines
