Windward House is an extension to a 18th century stone farmhouse, located on top of the highest point of land in Gloucestershire. Alison Brooks Architects wanted to echo the topography of the adjacent meadows into the angular design for the extension.
The existing three-storey Georgian farmhouse was meticulously restored and converted into one vast gallery space for Indian and African Tribal Art.
A new two-storey wing, partially embedded into the hillside, becomes the new house for the owners. The extension’s dark tones and cladding pattern are inspired by the nearby Forest of Dean.
Throughout the house angels are intentionally skewed and undulating to draw the eye to new and surprising focal points. Niches, benches and recesses strengthen the building’s irregular character and at the same time provide practical areas to display the owner's art.
“I see private house commissions as a rare opportunity to test new ideas in a concentrated form – they are the built equivalent of writing an essay. ”
- Alison Brooks, Principal and Creative Director at Alison Brooks Architects
