The Kirk Ella Conservation area is a large, verdant suburb situated in East Riding of Yorkshire, on the western outskirts of Kingston upon Hull. Its close proximity to a city centre along with its green natural environment and architectural interest (it combines well preserved samples of 18th, 19th and 20th century architecture) make it a desirable place to live; and this is exactly where a local couple chose to build their new home. The result is Gowland House, a generous, contemporary Yorkshire house by Grimsby-based ID Architecture.
The residence replaced a small, existing bungalow on site. The clients' main request was that the new space should be large enough to accomodate their extended family - children and grandchildren - for extensive stayovers during holidays and weekend breaks. As a result, the architects created a sprawling villa that wraps in an L-shape around a paved terrace with swimming pool, and spans two levels, in order to accomodate all the bedrooms and a variety of living spaces.
The sizeable home - at some 600 sq m - also includes a home gym, pantry, utility spaces and a boot room, providing all-mod-cons for the residents. Additionally, there is provision for the infrastructure for sustainable technologies, including Tesla battery wall, solar PV panels and air source heat pumps.
All bedrooms are positioned to overlook the glass-enclosed courtyard and swimming pool, to ensure privacy. A simple material palette of grey brick, weathering Siberian larch, and standing seam aluminium (cost-effective alternative to zinc), make up a building that feels sleek but also harmonious with its surroundings.
‘The low-pitched profile of the roof is considered to minimise the mass of this large house when viewed from surrounding properties, and from the roadside,' the architects explain. ‘All of this results in a dwelling that introduces a new and contemporary architectural style and adds to the interesting and varied character already found in Kirk Ella. The planning process was extremely positive, and thanks to open minded and trusted clients the property was designed and approved through a delegated decision within twelve months of the initial on-site consultation.'
INFORMATION
-
Zaha Hadid Architects’ new project will be Miami’s priciest condoConstruction has commenced at The Delmore, an oceanfront condominium from the design firm founded by the late Zaha Hadid, ZHA
-
This Beirut design collective threads untold stories into upholstered antique furnitureBeirut-based Bokja opens a Notting Hill pop-up that's a temple to textiles, from upholstered furniture to embroidered cushions crafted by artisans (until 25 March 2025)
-
The Peninsula Hotels broadens its artistic horizons with Victoria and Albert Museum partnershipThe Peninsula Hotels and Victoria and Albert Museum announce a multi-year collaboration set to produce world-class art experiences around the world
-
2025 Serpentine Pavilion: this year's architect, Marina Tabassum, explains her designThe 2025 Serpentine Pavilion design by Marina Tabassum is unveiled; the Bangladeshi architect talks to us about the commission, vision, and the notion of time
-
We celebrate the emerging London architects to be excited aboutThese emerging London architects are some of the capital's finest ground-breakers, movers and shakers; heralding a new generation of architecture
-
A library in a London telephone box? This is a charming reading nook full of surprisesSet in a restored London telephone box, Upper Street Little Library is a cosy beacon to encourage reading to the wider community
-
This revamped east London terraced house is a music lover’s dreamAn east London terraced house gets a boost of personality and sustainability thanks to Archmongers, whose transformation makes room for the owners’ creativity and extensive record collection
-
This elegant infill project slots beautifully into the London streetscapeIn this infill project, a row of garages in Blackheath, south-east London, has been replaced by a contemporary family home by local practice Mailen Design
-
Don’t Move, Improve 2025: the 14 London homes adding design oomph to the everydayThe shortlist for Don’t Move, Improve 2025 has been announced, revealing 14 residential projects across London that add value and pizazz to their inhabitants’ daily lives
-
Space House: explore the brutalist London landmark’s new chapterSpace House, a landmark of brutalist architecture by Richard Seifert & Partners in London’s Covent Garden, is back following a 21st-century redesign by Squire & Partners and developer Seaforth Land
-
Fire-damaged Walworth Town Hall shows off majestic transformationWalworth Town Hall gets a much-needed reimagining by Feix & Merlin, who transformed the heritage building into a contemporary workspace and a hub of its local community in south London
