Pastoral architecture meets sustainable living in the incredible
Round Tower by
De Matos Ryan Architects. Part castle and part secret underground hideout, this amazing house perched atop a hill overlooking
Siddington Village in
Gloucestershire blends right into the breathtaking scenery of the English countryside. Run down for many years by neglect and fire, the round
folly has been restored to accommodate bedrooms while preserving the centuries-old staircase and inner walls. While the 32 foot tower is an eye-catching feature, the Round Tower's underground extension is the place where all the excitement lies - read on for a look inside!
The Round Tower was run down by fire and neglect over many years before De Matos Ryan Architects renovated it into a modern residence. Naturally lit and ventilated by a central open courtyard, the underground home features glass-walled rooms that ensure a bright and breezy interior. A ‘landscape scoop’ that dips below the tower conceals the sun terrace and an outdoor pool, providing privacy while preserving the iconic country landscape.
A round sunroof in the central room brightens up the space while echoing the circular design of the tower that can be seen through it. The structure’s concrete walls also provide thermal mass to help regulate the interior temperatures.
De Matos Ryan Architects are known for their many modern, sustainable extensions to historical structures – they have also erected an amazing farm house just down the road from the Round Tower in Gloucestershire. Their design focus on preserving the past while sustaining the future is a unique approach that we’d love to see more of.
+ De Matos Ryan Architects
Via arch daily
images courtesy of Edmund Sumner
