?The Quest? is a private house in Swanage (UK); it is a new-build home replacing an ageing bungalow that had been on the site since 1917.

© Martin Gardner

Architects: Strom Architects

Location: Swanage, United Kingdom

Architect In Charge: Magnus Strom

Area: 235.0 m2

Project Year: 2015

Photographs: Martin Gardner

Main Contractor : Matrod Frampton

Structural Engineer : Barton Engineers

Cost Consultant : Stockdale

© Martin Gardner

?The Quest? is a private house in Swanage (UK); it is a new-build home replacing an ageing bungalow that had been on the site since 1917.
© Martin Gardner

The clients wanted a house for their retirement, but with a keen interest in design and a love of abstract and modern art, it needed to eschew the usual trappings of staid, retirement home design.

© Martin Gardner

The site is heavily wooded and sloping, enjoying a beautiful southerly aspect with a view over the Durlston Country Park.

Site Plan

Early on, we established the advantages of a single-storey building; it would suit the retired clients? future needs and the needs of their disabled daughter, give an elegant solution to the steeply sloped site and allow a simple arrangement of spaces. At the same time, the design reduces the visual impact from across the valley when...