Castle view
by Flint Architects
PROJECT OF THE MONTH
This unique replacement dwelling, adjacent to a scheduled monument in Hertfordshire, responds beautifully to its historic context and the surrounding architecture. Built across multiple levels, the design makes efficient use of a compact rural site. The muted material palette of grey brick and silvered timber defines each layer of the home and connects the new structure with the neighbouring castle ruins. The building features two pitched-roof volumes connected by a lightweight glazed atrium that breaks up the main form. Each part of the property required a very different facade. The front elevation looks over a public area, meaning that privacy was essential, while capitalising on views of the surrounding landscape and castle. A series of strategically placed small, fixed and openable windows at the first floor frame the view without exposing the interiors. In contrast, the rear elevation benefits from greater seclusion, enabling the use of large expanses of glazing at ground-floor level.