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de matos ryan round towerPastoral architecture meets sustainable living in the incredible <a href="http://www.archdaily.com/192944/the-round-tower-de-matos-ryan/" target="_blank">Round Tower</a> by <a href="http://www.dematosryan.co.uk/">De Matos Ryan Architects</a>. Part castle and part secret underground hideout, this amazing house perched atop a hill overlooking <a href="http://www.siddington.com/" target="_blank">Siddington Village</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloucestershire" target="_blank">Gloucestershire</a> blends right into the breathtaking scenery of the English countryside. Run down for many years by neglect and fire, the round <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folly" target="_blank">folly </a>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!1
de matos ryan round towerThe Round Tower was run down by fire and neglect over many years before <a href="http://www.dematosryan.co.uk/">De Matos Ryan Architects</a> renovated it into a modern residence.2
de matos ryan round towerNaturally lit and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_ventilation" target="_blank">ventilated</a> by a central open courtyard, the underground home features glass-walled rooms that ensure a bright and breezy interior.3
de matos ryan round towerA 'landscape scoop' that dips below the tower conceals the sun terrace and an outdoor pool, providing privacy while preserving the iconic country landscape.4
de matos ryan round towerA round sunroof in the central room brightens up the space while echoing the circular design of the tower that can be seen through it.5
de matos ryan round towerThe structure's concrete walls also provide <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_mass" target="_blank">thermal mass</a> to help regulate the interior temperatures.6
de matos ryan round tower<a href="http://www.dematosryan.co.uk/">De Matos Ryan Architects</a> are known for their many modern, sustainable extensions to historical structures - they have also erected an amazing <a href="http://www.archdaily.com/192560/home-farm-de-matos-ryan/" target="_blank">farm house</a> just down the road from the Round Tower in Gloucestershire.7
