David James Architects
Ortega is one of three luxury houses
known as ‘Luscombe’, designed by
David James Architects for renowned
developers Excellare. The site occupies
a spectacular natural wooded setting
presiding over Poole Harbour, with
views to Brownsea Island and the Isle
of Purbeck beyond. Conceived from the
concept of ‘organic architecture’, the
design amplifies the harmony between
the dwellings and their settings. The
house design complements the sylvan
setting allowing the occupants to
feel at one with their environment.
David James Architects undertook the
planning, detailed design and interior
architecture for this project.
Set in the largest plot at Luscombe,
Ortega makes the most of its position
within this verdant enclave, with its
open plan living space and terrace
overlooking the adjoining trees and
grounds. The house is solidified into
the ground with natural stone, from
which light horizontal aluminium
elements link vertical timber fins,
which compliment the sylvan
surroundings. Ortega has been
designed to express a feeling of light
with suspended elements in space,
with floor to ceiling glass seamlessly
integrating inside and out, whilst
framing views. External materials
fuse the inherent beauty of natural
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materials with an inspired aesthetic:
western red cedar, zinc cladding and
glass exude modernity, while Portland
Stone expresses local Dorset character.
On arrival, one is struck by the
cavernous, naturally illuminated
double volume entrance hall from
which all areas on the ground floor
can be accessed. The entrance is
flooded with light from the large over-
head roof lights. A first floor bridge
dissects this space and allows access
to the study. The use of contrasting,
tactile materials adds further to this
space. Norstone stone cladding wraps
around the central wall from which the