Rio Vista
A dream home boasting 360 degree views across some of the UK’s most beautiful landscape has been recognised for its innovative and unique design with an RICS (South West) Award in the ‘Residential’ category.
Known as Rio Vista, the house was designed by The Godfrey Partnership and built by Wyse Homes. It is located in the hills overlooking the South Devon village of Bishopsteignton providing views out to sea in one direction and over Dartmoor in the other.
Rio Vista was newly built following the demolition of an existing structure. Lead architect Brian Godfrey, Director of The Godfrey Partnership, took three months designing the house. Speaking to Premier Construction he said:
“Planning constraints meant it couldn’t be any bigger than the previous building which was demolished. However, the new building is three storeys high rather than two because the site is on a slope meaning we were able to fit a basement level under the original building. The whole structure is designed in relationship with the site.
“The location is one any architect would die for because it has the most beautiful views right out to sea from the South. If you go to the rear of the building the second floor has similarly stunning views in the opposite direction over Dartmoor. You can see the sun rising from the front in the morning and see it setting from the rear in the evening.”
Set in its own grounds, Rio Vista is made up of five bedrooms of which three are en suite, one additional bathroom, a dressing room, downstairs cloakroom, office, lounge, formal dining area, kitchen, utility room and cinema room.
It also boasts a gym, bar, sauna and hot tub as well as a swimming pool that stretches across the width of the house at the rear of the building. The ceiling utilises straight ceiling technologies.
The main material used is concrete, including concrete floors. The exception is the top floor which is of timber construction. The front entrance has a large, semi-circular glass window approximately 3 metres in diameter which sets the tone for the rest of the building. One of the main interior features is a staircase that evokes a Hollywood feel.
As is the case with many new build homes, an emphasis was placed on making the structure as environmentally friendly as possible. Solar panels, a biomass boiler and solar reflective windows have all been implemented to limit Rio Vista’s carbon footprint, with the added benefit of reducing running costs.
The village of Bishopsteignton offers the perfect setting for the house in a much sought after location. On the banks of the Teign Estuary, Bishopsteignton boasts access to acres of untouched countryside ready to explore.
While the construction of the building had the potential to be a difficult one, it was actually the planning process that proved to be the biggest obstacle as Brian explained:
“The main challenges were during the planning process. Working in rural areas like we do means you always encounter problems with local planners. The actual construction of the building once permission had been granted was straightforward.”
The perseverance by The Godfrey Partnership and Wyse Homes to get the house built has now been rewarded with industry recognition from the RICS. Throughout his work as a chartered surveyor and architect, Brian has been nominated for and won numerous awards at both local and national level. Reflecting on this particular nomination, Brian added:
“I think we all want to get recognition from our peers, it’s what you strive for. I enjoy what I do and I think this matters more than anything else but recognition for your work is always nice.”
Based in South West Devon, The Godfrey Partnership was established in 1964. The company boasts a team with expertise and experience in structural design, surveying and implementation. With a range of projects throughout the South West, The Godfrey Partnership has a reputation for quality and innovation.
Wyse Homes was founded in 2004 but has experience in the construction industry that goes back decades. The company has received significant recognition for its high quality builds that provide modern, trendy and stylish properties.
