New Private House

Llandwrog is a ‘model’ Estate village, which was created in two distinct phases by the Newboroughs in the middle of the 19th century. All the estate buildings, which are listed at Grade II, have a distinctly picturesque gothic flavour. The overall character remains that of largely unspoilt rural isolation and the attractive village is within a designated Conservation Area.

The clients wanted a new dwelling on a sensitive site adjacent to St Twrog’s church. The architects worked closely to achieve the clients aspirations for their family home, reflecting the local vernacular and sensitively paying homage to its largest neighbour, the church.

Whilst careful not to mimic its surroundings, the new A-frame design was inspired by this domestic vernacular and also paid homage and sought to respect the east gable of the church. The humble form intentionally allowed for a simple low cost construction and the tapering mass does not suffocate the site, allowing unobstructed views of the principal vistas to and from the church.

The use of traditional materials and detailing can have considerable effect in enhancing a conservation area’s character. The essence of many of the model village buildings have been eroded in recent years due to the loss of this detail. The new family dwelling enhances its setting within Llandwrog by reflecting the village aesthetic to stimulate contemporary sustainable design.