Lambetta House

Llanvair Kilgeddin

This new 375m² home, built for an active young family, is located on a fairly generous plot at the entrance to a small village, where it takes its place in a varied street-scene of houses opposite a traditional village school. Planning permission was secured for a dwelling of generous proportions to replace the decrepit bungalow originally on the site.

The house is a contemporary exploration of certain archetypal Welsh design characteristics – intended to creatively respond to its village context rather than duplicating existing styles.

The linear plan form recalls traditional longhouse design, but adjusts it for modern living by establishing a generous sequence of key family rooms accessed from either side of a double height hallway. These rooms open out onto the south facing garden, maximising the family’s enjoyment of the outdoors. A natural slate roof appears to float lightly on a continuous band of glazing that is set above horse chestnut louvres which establish texture and privacy to the north-facing street elevation. First floor bathrooms are arranged along this elevation to benefit from natural light at high level, freeing up the private south elevation for generously glazed bedrooms with balconies that enjoy far-reaching views. White rendered gables incorporate stout chimneys that book-end the building.