- March 14, 2019
The construction of a sub-terranean house on the cliffs of Portpatrick, Scotland. The original site houses a World War II radio station which was demolished to make way for the new house. The house is underground when viewed from the pedestrian pathway other than the front entrance. To the rear of the property is then an expanse of glass overlooking the Irish Sea. This project is to feature on Grand Designs https://www.granddesigns.tv/galloway/ Holdgate Consulting were tasked with the design of the structure including retaining wall and a steel frame.
This house has also been entered into the 2019 GIA awards. https://gia.org.uk/2019-submissions-residential
Here is the introduction to the award proposal….
This cliff top house at North Witch Point, Portpatrick is on the site of a former radar station, with sweeping views to the North Channel in this remote coastal corner of Galloway. The earth-sheltered design embeds the house in the plateau, affirming the relationship between humanity and nature, clinging to existence above the relentless sea.
The principle of a dwelling house on the site was contrary to the Adopted Local Development Plan as the dramatic location is within the Rhinns coastal Regional Scenic Area. In October 2005 the Wigtown Area Regulatory Committee refused permission for a more traditional house designed by others. The planning officer’s report however, expressed the view that the scenic quality of the area could be enhanced and safeguarded by a more appropriate design.
“I’m going to attempt to build a three-sided waterproof box, then the whole thing is buried to hide it from passers-by on the land-side. On the cliff-top side it’s wall-to-wall glass looking out on the ocean.” – Andy Stakes
Read More on the GIA website https://gia.org.uk/2019-submissions-residential and search Robert Potter & Partners and Andy Stakes.