CASE STUDY 29
new elements providing a “subtle nod to its surroundings,” while delivering a “new, contemporary Cornish-driven lifestyle opportunity,” he says. While heritage benefits have been harnessed all over the project, the main focal point of the development is the 21 metre high brick chimney, which was once used as part of the furnaces used to dry the clay slurry as it was poured onto the drying beds. The chimney will now sit within a public space, rather than within a privately owned industrial site, and can be enjoyed at closer proximity by residents of The Nest and by visitors to the area. “The historical and the contemporary perfectly synthesise in Charlestown, and in The Nest,” continues Paul. Wherever you are in this beautiful harbour port, it packs a pretty punch.” He explains further, “Textural and layered, yet quiet and calming, its industrial features are comfortable bedfellows with the dramatic natural setting.”
DESIGN & INSPIRATION Designed by multi-award-winning Charlestown-based architects, Alan Leather Associates, The Nest achieves its reflection of the locality with “meaning, depth and texture,” says Stephens. According to the developer, the
entire team were resolute that the project should “harness the history and atmosphere” of theWorld Heritage site, including hundreds of years of clay mining. “We took a design-driven approach to ensure a cutting-edge style
for today,” which also referenced the past, Paul adds. He continues, “concurrently paying appropriate homage to the original, industrial aesthetic of the area, rather than a ‘pastiche’ of the original properties.” The housing for the former clay drying
beds, formerly known as The Linhay, for example, has been “reincarnated” as a timber framed garage block. This outbuilding provides parking for all the homes’ cars; leaving the walkways and gardens vehicle-free. “The development allowed Stephens + Stephens to take the original concept plans and transform these into 15 individual houses,” says Paul, “each offer- ing a blend of materials sympathetic to the era when the clay lovering was in full swing and Charlestown was a thriving busy port, exporting tin and clay around the world.”
THE PLANNING PROCESS Before any of this could be achieved however, the early stages of the project were relatively straightforward, according to Paul, who says the site acquisition was “seamless,” the site being purchased with planning already approved, and an exist- ing roadway to the site ensuring easy access and infrastructure. “That said, however,” he continues,
“we have needed to work closely with the heritage team at Cornwall Council to preserve any historical elements existing on the site, and site remediation proved challenging.” With the plot having been derelict for
THEMAIN FOCAL POINT IS THE 21METRE HIGH BRICK CHIMNEY, ONCE USED AS PART OF THE FURNACES
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