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Pumping Station House, Exeter

New dwelling 'We approached Annie with just an outline brief for our newly purchased plot in 2014 and, since then, she helped us with every stage of the project. We are so pleased with and proud of the finished house and everyone that visits loves it. The dwelling sits off a busy access road however the house and gardens feel welcoming and private whilst still taking advantage of the panoramic views over the road of Exeter. We value her judgement on all aspects from landscaping, fit out, and even furniture. Despite various complications during the construction, we have always worked as a team and a grateful to her dedication and perseverance. We have become firm friends in the process.' - Clients

The infill land, adjacent to Cowick Hill and Dunsford Road, was sold by SWW as surplus ground at their reservoir site. The steeply sloped site, on the edge of the Alphin Brook Conservation Area, is defined a high stone wall. This was retained and only broken through for parking/ garage and stepped pedestrian access to the raised plot.

The first floor is largely open plan with the glazing orientated to the garden and panoramic views of Exeter. Sliding doors open up to a level terrace. The four bedrooms are located on the second floor from which level access is provided to the rear south facing elevated garden incorporating the roof of the first floor utility. The dwelling is built into the contours of the site and the levels remain largely unchanged beyond the footprint of the building. From Dunsford Road and the Northeast the dwelling appears as a two storey dwelling and from the Southeast the dwelling as a single storey.

It is a site that warrants a contemporary approach having no immediate neighbours and set on its own within the plot. A simple palette of materials: limestone; painted render; timber cladding and dark grey aluminium windows ensure the dwelling is discrete and sits comfortably within its setting. A flat roof allows the external walls to be kept simple, the ridge to be kept low and solar panels to be set down within the parapet. The landscaped terraced gardens allow the dwelling to sit comfortably.

The construction was a labour of love and testament to the Clients perseverance. Despite complex ground works, builders going into liquidation, work stopping during Covid, the fit out and finish was not compromised.