Meet Architect – Will Rome
- Local Experts
Amongst a highly varied array of projects, there are perhaps 2 strands of work to my practice which I find coming up time and again.
The first tends to be extensively refurbishing, repairing or new build ‘character’ buildings, such as barns, farm houses and older stone building, what I would call traditional rural architecture.
Recent Part Q planning regulations, allowing some agricultural buildings to be turned into permanent residences are a useful development in this area. There are places available on the Island, perhaps a house with outbuildings and access, so if you’re buying a property that has an agricultural building associated with it you may have potential to turn it into a house or holiday accommodation.
The other strand tends to be working with high land value sites, perhaps a plot with a sea view for example. Most of these existing buildings on these plots have no real architectural merit (old bungalows) and I can help Clients evaluate whether it’ll be more cost effective as a remodelling project or a new build (VAT back on all materials).
Generally Clients are looking for really well designed, contemporary, energy efficient architecture to realise these sites true value.
Where relevant my designs tend to centre on creating courtyards and smaller, more intimate spaces around buildings that people can enjoy at different times of the day in different seasons. Places with a human scale where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings. This often sets up a nice counterpoint with the larger, more open plan spaces that most Clients demand. I always design these with a strong connection to the garden and landscape spaces.
Much of my design inspiration comes from the ‘Batch’ beach house culture of New Zealand. Architects like Crosson, Herbst and Assembly lead the way for me. I’m currently designing a house in Queenstown NZ, overlooking The Remarkables, an interesting geographical design crossover for me and a spectacular view.
In New Zealand there seems to be a great work / play / lifestyle balance. That’s what I think living on the Isle of Wight should be about – it’s not necessarily a place to earn heaps of money but if you want to live near to that coastal, outdoor lifestyle, in a well-designed home, then this a good place to do it.
