Martello Tower Y by Billings Jackson and Piercy & Company
Billings Jackson Design together with Piercy & Company designed the conversion of a defence tower in Suffolk, England, built in 1808, into a 21st Century private residence.
.
Description from Piercy & Company
Converting a Napoleonic defence tower built in 1808 into a 21st Century private residence was a demanding brief. As a Scheduled Monument on the At Risk register and located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the planning negotiations were matched in complexity by the on-site logistics. The completed conversion won the support of English Heritage who heralds it as an exemplar of how to convert significant historical buildings.
The new roof follows many of the curves within the original building while the 3 metre thick solid bonded brick walls (originally designed to withstand cannon fire from the North Sea) create a massive base from which the new roof is tethered.
The simplicity of this massive form in the landscape hides the complexity and beauty of the plan and geometry.
.
.
.
Design: Billings Jackson Design and Piercy & Company
Photography: Edmund Sumner
.
PaxtonArchitecture on 23 Nov 2012 at 6:20 pm #
This conversion has been undertaken with such subtly. From the exterior, apart from the little piece on top there appears to be very little to give away that change has taken place. A little slice of privacy in a lovely part of Suffolk.
In looking around a bit, I think that lighting really brings something to this scheme with the focus being on the core internally and the addition on top at night. From the looks of things I don’t think they’ve even added an excessive amount internally which so often isn’t the case. Well done to Piercy & Company and as a lesson it’s important to remember that restraint is sometimes the best approach and not to blindly take stabs at it till all falls into place.
Rube on 24 Nov 2012 at 1:43 am #
Wow, that is rather astounding and beautifully accomplished.
Martin Roy (Gregenov) on 24 Nov 2012 at 8:33 am #
Magnifique!
JP on 24 Nov 2012 at 8:54 am #
Good to see these old buildings being restored and with respect to the original design and surroundings. Amazing place to live in too, with those 360 degree views.
The Cat on 24 Nov 2012 at 12:13 pm #
Where can I find more on this? Who gets to live here? Is it owned? Leased? Are there any photos of the rooms?….and may I please have one too?
BigAlex on 26 Nov 2012 at 2:28 am #
Lovely project. More interior pictures please. The blend of the modern and old is just perfect.
Thania on 26 Nov 2012 at 5:01 am #
Brilliantly done!
Rudy on 26 Nov 2012 at 8:22 pm #
Yes, this is well considered project with a great addition on the top. I guess the owners went for authenticity but the poorly lit central stairway is just screaming to be plastered and painted white. Now there is certainly a dungeon atmosphere.