Ilkley Moor 'boulder' house approved after planning appeal

Ilkley Moor 'boulder' house approved after planning appeal

Plans have been approved for a unique house designed to resemble the rock formations found on a well-known Yorkshire moor. This modern residence features large, irregularly shaped windows and an outdoor pool that blends naturally into the surroundings. Its design closely mirrors the iconic Cow and Calf Rocks located in Ilkley, West Yorkshire.

The property will be constructed on green belt land, specifically within the garden of a home situated off Heber’s Ghyll Drive. Emphasizing sustainability, the house will meet the ultra-low energy Passivhaus standard, ensuring an eco-friendly build. The development received approval from HM Planning Inspectorate under the country house clause, which permits green belt development for buildings deemed to be of “exceptional quality,” as noted by Harrogate-based architects Shaw & Jagger.

Matt Masserella-Gill, the architect behind the project, was hired by landowner David Rasche to bring this vision to life. Masserella-Gill described the application as “arguably the most complex country house application ever made in this country.” The residence has been named Fomorian, a reference to a supernatural giant race from Irish mythology, inspired by the legendary giant Rombald believed to have roamed Ilkley Moor.

Explaining the concept, Masserella-Gill stated that the design aimed to capture the essence of its location. “Fomorian is of its place, part of the moors, its geology and its spirit,” he said. He further emphasized that local folklore, the characteristic rocks, ancient carvings, standing stones, and escarpments informed the architectural inspiration, providing a strong connection to the surrounding landscape

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