Stone Cross — a Manor House Built in 1878 Modernized by Youth Studio
Stone Cross is an iconic grade-II gothic-style manor house built in 1878, located in rural Cumbria, which was left to dereliction in 2001 until development began in 2018.
It was Youth Studio’s most sensitive project to date, as they were approached by client Persimmon Homes to consult on how to respectfully restore and modernize this historic building. The project required a careful, consultative approach. Their aim was to bring a modern, contemporary liveability to space, whilst creating a strong design narrative that wove together quintessential British history with opulent drama and character.
The challenge was to complement and accentuate the existing ornate architectural features such as the stone carvings and decorative tiled floor, with current materiality and shapes. Their design approach was to play with the building’s existing tones, developing them into a muted, yet meaningful palette, whilst juxtaposing features through joinery and finishes that highlighted both the beauty and contrasts of the old and new.
By using stainless steel and mirror, the reflective materials emphasized Stone Cross’ elegant architecture, rather than competing with it, or taking anything away from it. Whilst their incorporation of monolithic, square edges sat paradoxical to the softer, curved shapes.
The main living area was amplified by &tradition’s Develius sofa and Handvärk’s Daybed, a timeless classic designed in Denmark and described as “the crown jewel” of the collection, apt for such a regal space. In the communal entrance area, the &tradition Loafer chairs, designed by Space Copenhagen, accentuate the existing warm tones within the tiled floor, whilst the RUBN Lektor Floor lamp brings a contemporary edge.
The feedback from their client was that this well-considered development has ensured that Stone Cross and its grounds remain an important heritage asset, restoring its former public glory to make a positive contribution to the fabric of the area and its historic environment for years to come.
