The Old Pottery

Externally the design references the local vernacular of traditional mews houses found within the Conservation Area, whilst internally the layout and design is delightfully contemporary, and more akin to a houseboat. The house is split over two floors; two bedrooms, two bathrooms and the entrance are located on the ground floor, whilst the open-plan living, kitchen and dining area, a separate study and terrace are located on the first floor. The tapered floor plan, measuring just 2.4m to 2.8m internally, is efficiently designed to give a sense of fluidity, calm and openness. Integrated storage and furniture solutions ensure the house remains clutter-free and serves practical needs. Exposed ceiling joists on the first floor provide visual interest along the length of the main open plan space and increase the sense of height. A simple palette of natural materials was chosen, some with a nod to the site’s heritage as a Pottery. The construction required extensive groundworks, partially re-building the four-metre high rear wall, and excavating bedrock in order to form a new slab and concrete plinth walls. The main structure was constructed from SIPs, which enabled the project to move along swiftly once out of the ground, and provides a wall build-up that is high performing whilst being slimline, therefore maximising on much needed floor space. The main elevation faces south, providing the benefits of natural light and solar gains throughout the day. The house stays relatively cool in summer thanks to stack ventilation enabled by the opening rooflight over the staircase, as well as a series of blinds, shutters and high levels of insulation. An ASHP provides all hot water and underfloor heating for the house. The house is located in the heart of Clifton Village, Bristol, along Princess Victoria Street. The slither of land on whic
he Old Pottery now sits formerly served the horse stables and subsequent garages located on the opposite side of th
treet. In more recent history, a simple lean-to building was constructed on the site to house a bookbinders and later a pottery business. The land was bought by the Client following the closure of the Pottery, and the existing building was demolished as part of the build.