design et al are delighted to announce that David James Architects have been shortlisted for Residential £2.5-5 Million (Property by Value) Award within The International Design and Architecture Awards 2018.
The site is located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, with fantastic views over the Championship Parkstone Golf course. Mature maritime pine trees and boundary screening ensure that the site feels part of the golf course yet with optimum privacy. The design explores a mixture of floor levels, views, and settings to maximize the usability of the site, whilst enriching the occupant’s lifestyle. The original house was a 1970’s split level house, the architecture was unremarkable with a layout that did not explore the setting or the views on offer. The concept for the remodelling was to create a house that embraced the setting whilst floating above the landscape. The architectural language needed to be crisp and clean, with a layout that flowed for modern living, this was the task for David James Architects. Photography was completed by Tom Burn Media.
The clients brief called for a dynamic four bedroomed house that would tie the various levels together, with an open plan modern layout interspersed with intimate rooms. Due to the sloping nature of the site, the house appears to be a two-story dwelling. The natural fall in the topography allows the design to cascade down the slope and evolve into a three-story dwelling, featuring in / out living to the large rear terrace. The final design integrates the three levels. On arrival the large entrance hall spills into the formal lounge and study, which overlook the double volume space. Two separate staircases lead either to the top floor master suite and bedrooms or down into the double volume living space and kitchen. The house revolves around this magnificent double volume living space, which has a two-storey wall of glass facing the garden and golf course.
The luxurious master suite echoes a 5-star hotel lifestyle, the bespoke master ensuite, meticulously designed by David James Architects’ interior department, creates a definitive statement. Stylish design and quality sanitary ware and tiling are married with a unique open plan layout. The layout includes two generous sized dressing rooms accessed from the ensuite, and the bathroom is flooded with natural light from a large roof light above with double sinks that are set into a feature tiled dividing wall, which separates the private w/c and shower area. All 3 bedrooms have direct access to a large roof terrace with stunning views over the golf course. A separate guest suite is located on the entrance level and has a full ensuite and built in floor to ceiling cupboards. The guest room’s size and opulence lends itself to being a junior master suite for those that may not wish to travel to the top floor.
Other features include a formal living room, study, family living room, snug/home cinema. David James Architects’ interior department designed the kitchen, located on the garden level, which offers the convenience, style and luxurious finish that one would expect from a property of this caliber. The bespoke, fully fitted Italian kitchen, complete with Miele integrated appliances, is an inviting, sociable area, blending functionality with the luxurious finishes of marble effect porcelain and gloss veneered units. A pantry/ wet kitchen is located directly off the kitchen, and is an entertainers dream. A separate utility room is located away from the living/kitchen area affording functionality that compliments the usability of the house.
Externally it was important to create a landscaped garden, from which one could enjoy the fantastic views over the golf course, whilst retaining a sense of seclusion. Facilities were needed for multiple vehicles, with a private drive and electrically operated gates, with audio/visual door entry system. The house has been finished to the highest standards, creating a luxurious, private retreat, with bespoke interior architecture. The design takes full advantage of the stunning views over the golf course. Whilst being a contemporary design, the external finishes of basalt stone, Grespania wood effect ceramic cladding and charcoal grey metal complement the natural, sylvan setting. David James Architects believe La Serena epitomises modern, luxury living, in a stunning, unique setting.