Ferry House, Salisbury

2025 RIBA South West & Wessex Award

Ferry House, Salisbury
AR Design Studio for private client
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 296m²

Despite its distinctive formal character, the takeaway quality from this new house on the outskirts of Salisbury is the careful crafting of the interior spaces, which belies what, on first impression, could be seen as a bold ‘statement’ building. With expertly chosen internal finishes and well-coordinated details and junctions, AR Design Studio found synergy with the client brief and a number of cherished pieces of art and furniture.

The plan form comprises three wings of accommodation and is inspired by the riverside setting, with marshland views to the spire of Salisbury Cathedral and the form of the local red kites that circle above. Together, these provided the opportunity for a dramatic and unique house which commands three distinct external spaces: the entry and arrival space; a more intimate kitchen garden and external dining area; and the broader riverside space with far-reaching views.

The architects have shown great expertise in offering a sophisticated and refined response to the building concept. Using timber and grey brick that sit well within its surroundings, the form and details of the house have been executed with great precision. 

Externally, the site configuration and building form create a natural approach from the road above, with the house set into the riverside topography, maximising dramatic views from inside and from the covered external spaces. A seamless transition from the internal spaces to the adjacent garden and riverside landscape has also been skilfully created in the design.  

Of particular note is the expertly managed composition of the building form. Creativity, invention and skill were required to ensure the geometry of the external forms and the internal spaces came together without any sense of awkwardness.

The private wing contains well-proportioned rooms and spaces, with beautiful finishes. The timber ceilings are particularly well detailed. The one-level-living plan will allow for flexible use of the home and ensure inclusive accessibility for current and future users.

View all of our South West winners here, and all our RIBA UK Award winners here.

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RIBA Regional Awards 2025 sponsored by Autodesk, EH Smith, Equitone and Velux