come up with challenging alternative designs that would encourage us to think about what we really needed from a house and how we would live in it. Overall, the design ethos was for something unique but as sustainable as possible. Of course, the final look of the building was nothing like the napkin sketch!” One idea that did survive from Roger’s original vision was that of a circular hallway. Not only is the hallway – which is rendered beautifully with slipped slate – probably the most striking feature of the building, its curves have also been echoed across the rest of the exterior design of the Southcotts’ new home. Roger says: “The whole building is curved. Our architect felt the house would fit into the sloping site better if it was curved and he was right. What’s more, if you stand at one end of house you can’t see the other end because it’s round the corner. This gives the whole house a more interesting feel – less predictable, and
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unique. I do like the idea that there isn’t another house the same as it in the world.” While the couple are perfectly content with curves, Roger does add a note of caution: “Curved does mean extra work, and it can add to the cost. There are some smaller practical issues too – standard curtain poles, for example, won’t go round a curve!”
BUMPS IN THE ROAD
A much bigger headache than curtain poles that presented a very serious problem early in construction was an argument over contractual obligations with the company meant to install the engineered timber frame of their new home. Roger explains: “They threatened to sue, we threatened to countersue and everything stopped onsite for two months. The cost of the timber frame was £30,000 so there was a lot at stake.”
The couple eventually settled out of court, january 2020
INDOOR OUTDOOR LIVING The bi-fold doors connect the kitchen/dining/living area with the home’s outdoor space
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