The Quest

Architect: Ström Architects

The Quest is a replacement dwelling in Swanage. The site is heavily wooded and enjoys a beautiful southerly aspect with a view over the Durlston Country Park.

The sloping site, with protected mature trees, very much dictated the positioning of the dwelling. Access is via the front of the property so we made use of a retaining wall which is faced in local Purbeck stone to define different levels and visually mask the vehicular route thus maintaining a clear view from the living spaces across the valley. The single storey house cantilevers over the retaining wall to deal with the level changes and views. The large cantilever has been achieved through two concrete planes: the floor and roof acting together like a space beam. The concrete structure is then in-filled with simple timber dry-lining, leaving the concrete frame visible externally.