The Round Tower / De Matos Ryan England, Glouchestershire

Architects: De Matos Ryan

Location: Glouchestershire, England

Structural Engineer: Price & Myers

Main Contractor: GL50 Properties

Concrete Contractor: Stallard Construction

Photographs: Edmund Sumner

The Round Tower is a Grade II Listed folly, which had been reduced to ruin by years of neglect and fire. Located on the crest of a hill overlooking Siddington Village, the exposed site is visually integral to the setting of this listed structure. As such the design approach maintains the open relationship with the surrounding agricultural landscape by developing a discreet and substantial underground extension to the tower. This underground extension provides the main open plan living spaces and is lit by both a central open sunken courtyard and a lateral 'landscape scoop' concealing the new swimming pool and associated sun terraces from public view.

The listed tower remains clearly the dominant structure, providing the front door to the 4 bedroom family house and the means of vertical circulation. It is also the visual focus of the main sunken courtyard garden. The restored tower provides additional accommodation and a roof terrace for the enjoyment of the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.