30 CASE STUDY
some time, it was well overgrown, and there was hundreds of tons of China clay on the site that had to be removed. Another challenge was the restoration
of the chimney, which, along with all of the retained stone walls in the develop- ment, has been extensively refurbished in line with Cornwall Council’s Conservation requirements. This process involved teams of steeplejacks raking out and repointing and cleaning brickwork, while replacing any damaged structural straps and clear- ing out the excess vegetation that was growing inside and outside the chimney. In addition, to further preserve the heritage, where possible, known and new features and artefacts discovered during the construction works are to be revealed and displayed publicly, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the vital heritage that has been re-found and carefully collected during the build process.
EXTERIOR STYLE The Nest will be accessed by a private road and is surrounded by a traditional stone wall on three sides, with large evergreen and deciduous trees forming a dense, natural screen between the neighbouring properties. The Nest’s houses feature an architectural scheme utilising elemental materials including stone, fittingly bound with traditional pointing techniques. “These historical flourishes are interspersed with huge sections of contemporary glass windows and glazed links, all merging with dark steels, providing sleek, seamless finishes,” says Paul. The homes are topped with living
grass roofs and outside, ‘rubble’ stone walkways lead the way into “calming, sustainable gardens.” The green roofs extend the length of
the houses, bringing a new natural life to what was previously a harsh industrial space, and tying in with the wildflower planting around the project’s perimeter. Each home also has two ‘car ports’ in
THE OUTBUILDING PROVIDES PARKING FOR ALL THE HOMES’ CARS; LEAVING THE WALKWAYS AND GARDENS VEHICLE-FREE
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the extended garaging space across from the properties, and an additional shared bike shed will be available, taking up to six cycles for residents. To the rear of the Linhay car park building will be a tiered natural habitat designed and planted to encourage wildlife and flowers to grow with viewing areas for the residents to enjoy. There will also be discreet areas for cycle storage formed.
NATURAL FLOW The houses themselves are based on a timber frame construction, with a combination of timber, slate and metals
used in the facades and roofs. Inside this frame, Paul tells me that the turnkey interior design service from Absolute worked hand-in-hand with the Stephens + Stephens Home concierge service, “meaning buyers can literally walk right into your new home with every single detail and appliance already in place.” “The Absolute team was inspired by
the industrial heritage of the surrounding area, rather than directed by it,” says Paul. “As with the architecture, a clean, contemporary interior style is mixed with industrial hardware and surfaces, with on-trend muted colour palettes reflecting the landscape and elements.” “A natural flow of life, light, energy
and the elements is evident throughout all of the houses,” adds Stephen, noting the powder-coated aluminium windows and patio doors set into the profiled metal-clad sheeting, timber and ‘rubble’ external material mix, further tying the homes into their surroundings. The homes incorporate air source
heat pumps, which combined with the aforementioned green roofs provide “an attractive yet environmental complement” to many of the properties.
REACTION Looking back on the project, Paul believes that Stephens + Stephens’ design-driven approach to new developments has ensured that the same level of quality is experienced within each of the homes at The Nest. The overarching design philosophy,
while paying appropriate homage to the original, industrial aesthetic of the area, was also to “avoid a ‘pastiche’ of the original properties,” says Stephens. He admits that, “as with any development” there has been some “local community ‘reaction” in this much-loved location. However overall, Stephens says the project has been “positively received” by the community, reportedly receiving less opposition than most schemes where planning was achieved before the site was purchased. A strong sign of the project’s success
so far, Paul says “there has been a rush for sales,” with over 50% of the development having been sold already (subject to contract). He believes that his firm has delivered
a clear point difference, in the current busy development context. “With so many new build developments being commissioned these days,” he concludes, “we like to think that our unique approach is a refreshing reminder of what can be achieved with the right minds involved.” g
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