Wiswell

  • Project
  • River Ribble, Wiswell
  • Type
  • Large Private Country House in Landscape Setting
  • Status
  • RIBA Competition 2000 (Runner Up)

The house, its structures and the gardens are all elements placed sensitively into the existing landscape.  Many of the elements ‘grow’ from the dry stonewalls which are so characteristic of the Pennines and which provide necessary shelter from the biting winds.

The house responds to its location, with passive energy efficiency in terms of solar access and shading, and minimal openings on the north elevation. The internal planning of the building provides a sequence of volumes of differing qualities of space and light.  Spaces are provided for social and private activities.

All living and bedroom spaces have direct access to gardens, a terrace or a balcony, blurring the division between internal and external spaces.

q2 Architects were awarded runner up in this competition for the RIBA. The design entries were exhibited at the Cube Gallery in Manchester.