Architects Projects
The new build dormer bungalow is a
390 square metre timber frame property
with many spectacular features such
as vaulted ceilings, a frameless glass
balcony and a dramatic helical staircase.
A modern feel is created by the
combination of glass, anthracite grey
RAL 7016, and stainless steel. This is
offset by the wood effect Amtico vinyl
flooring in a herringbone pattern, which
is used throughout.
Ian says: “As soon as I saw the building
plot, I immediately had a clear design
concept in mind and I conveyed this
to the architects, RA Design in St Ives.
They grasped the concept immediately
and the whole process of drawing up
and signing off the architectural plans
was completed with only two meetings
– far fewer than would normally be
expected.”
Ian continues: “The planning process
was also straightforward as there was
already an existing bungalow on the
site. Once the old bungalow had been
demolished and removed, the disused
mine shaft on the site was capped and
the pilings needed for the foundations
followed. After these groundworks had
been completed, we started on the build
in the Spring of 2019.
“The timber frame was supplied by
Frame UK. Normally a timber frame can
be erected in three days but this one
took over five weeks as it was so large
and included no less than 48 pieces of
steel for the vaulted ceilings. Once it
was up, we could really see the house
starting to come together.”
The house includes underfloor heating
downstairs with radiators upstairs, all
powered by an air source heat pump,
so it is environmentally friendly and
there is no need for oil or gas at the
property. Ian comments: “The current
government grants towards air source
heat pumps mean that these can pay
for themselves within 7 years. This was
a great choice of eco heating for the
property and the house is toasty warm.”
Creating a dramatic centrepiece for the
house is a feature staircase designed,
manufactured and installed by Spiral
UK of Helston.
Ian says: “We wanted to create a
sensational feature, rather than just a
functional staircase, and I knew Spiral
43
UK would be able to deliver a staircase
with a real Wow factor. We considered
some alternative ideas before settling
on the final design we chose.”
This design is a helical (curved)
fabricated steel staircase with painted
treads and stringers in Anthracite Grey
RAL 7016. The treads have an Amtico
vinyl finish which matches the rest of
flooring throughout the house. The
staircase is enhanced by a toughened
glass panel balustrade with a tubular
satin polished stainless-steel handrail
and uprights. The theme is continued
by the matching balustrade to the
stairwell and landing area.
Ian says: “The stringers on the staircase
really zing out as they have such a
lovely polished shine. They denote each
tread as you look at the staircase. It is a
fantastic centrepiece for the house and
the matching balustrade to the stairwell
and landing area means everything
flows seamlessly, creating a sense of
airiness and space.”