ABOUT

Pentargon Architecture is a small local practice in Cornwall, near Launceston. The practice is run by RIBA Chartered Architect Richard Ward. The practice provides a personalised, affordable, high quality architectural service throughout Cornwall, Devon and the south-west, as well as further afield. 

Situated between Launceston, Wadebridge and Bude, Pentargon Architecture is particularly well placed to serve the communities of North Corwall.

The practice specialises in residential architecture at all scales of work from alterations, conversions and extensions to complete new homes and residential developments

 

 

Interior perspective of the kitchen / living room

Design approach

The beauty of the landscape and the vernacular architecture of Cornwall and Devon are important influences. Making connections is a particular theme of the practice, creating architecture specific to the site and the needs of clients, producing a building that will be enjoyed and valued.

Concept design for a single family dwelling in rural North Devon. L-shaped in plan and semi-submerged the house, with its green roof, is designed to be a part of the surrounding terrain

Buildings are complex and costly. Without the input of good design the end result can look disappointing, be expensive to build, run and maintain and the building may not function as well as intended. Any project is an expensive commitment in terms of time and money, and whatever is built must be endured, for better or worse, for a very long time. Investing in good design is therefore not only sensible but essential. Good design will also increase the building’s financial worth.

Many factors come to bear upon a design. One must consider the practical issues such as what is required of the building project, legal requirements that must be met, and the budget for its construction and maintenance thereafter.

St Mawes Skylight over a stairwell providing daylight and a view of the sky

Then there are the physical aspects of the site, for example whether the ground is flat or sloping, what views there are to be enjoyed, whether direct sunlight is available and the exposure of the site to wind and rain. Finally there are the personal influences on the design – the client's likes, dislikes and aspirations. Understanding all these requires a good working relationship and close co-operation between architect and client in order to develop a design to the client’s satisfaction. Our intention is to assimilate all the many and varied factors to create architecture which is unique to the site context, specific to the design brief and ultimately produces a building to be enjoyed.