The master photographer of the extraordinary house, Edmund Sumner, has two recent residential projects for us to consider: Ness Point Clifftop House and an extension, the Sun Rain Room.
Ness Point is grown out of the dramatic landscape of the white cliffs of Dover. The undulating form of the plan orientates the internal spaces to different aspects of the landscape beyond. Each room is characterised by its own spectacular view: towards the cliffs along the coast, across the English Channel with the passing ships, and to the rising or setting sun. The texture of the white rendered walls of the building catches the dynamic and ever-changing play of light that reflects off the sea below.
The Sun Rain Room is a two-storey extension and restoration of a Grade-II Listed Georgian townhouse. The extension reframes the rear of the building by amplifying the characteristics found within its fabric. Designed and constructed by Tonkin Liu in collaboration with local craftspeople, it serves as both a studio for the practice and a home for the partners’ family.
©Edmund Sumner — Ness Point Clifftop House
©Edmund Sumner — Sun Rain Room
images follow:
NESS POINT
Lower level sitting room. Ness Point Clifftop House, Dover, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2016.
View towards white cliffs from bedroom. Ness Point Clifftop House, Dover, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2016.
Overall view from below. Ness Point Clifftop House, Dover, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2016.
Interior view on lower level. Ness Point Clifftop House, Dover, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2016.
Interior view towards staircase on lower level. Ness Point Clifftop House, Dover, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2016.
Lower level bedroom. Ness Point Clifftop House, Dover, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2016.
Lower level bedroom. Ness Point Clifftop House, Dover, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2016.
SUN RAIN ROOM images
Looking down towards dusk. Sun Rain Room, London, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2017.
Overall view from rear towards dusk. Sun Rain Room, London, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2017.
Overall view from entrance with approaching figure. Sun Rain Room, London, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2017.
Basement bedroom. Sun Rain Room, London, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2017.
Looking down from roof. Sun Rain Room, London, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2017.
Studio Interior. Sun Rain Room, London, United Kingdom. Architect: Tonkin Liu, 2017.