Hall & Bednarczyk Architects

Blue Door is a newly constructed four bedroom house located within the Wye Valley AONB in rural Monmouthshire, enjoying far-reaching views over the pristine surrounding countryside. The developed design emerged from a layering of fluid plan forms inspired by the overlapping of sycamore seed pods which littered the site during early visits. The resulting arrangement, which references the hillside topography, establishes carefully orientated views over the unfolding valley below, while creating overhangs that form balconies and solar shading.

A curved retaining wall nestles the building into the rear bank, creating a top-lit ground floor gallery for the clients' collection of ceramics. The choice of oxidised copper-coated ceramic tiles and cedar boarding blend the scheme into the hues of the hillside.