2001/2002
for APS Masonry
Executive Architect: Whitfield Lockwood Architects
Project Architect: Johnston Cave Associates

Tusmore House is a magnificent 3,800m² new residence for a private client.

The ground floor comprises 140mm thick, tooled and rusticated ashlar and the upper floors generally comprise 100mm ashlar and bonders to brickwork, constructed simultaneously, providing a monolithic loadbearing structure.

You can click on any of the pictures here to enlarge them.

Portico

Brickwork was used to provide an economic solution to an otherwise traditional masonry construction process with 5mm joints and lime mortar using ashlar blocks up to 1100mm x 500mm in size.

The portico comprises six free-standing and four engaged ionic columns with carved capitals. Solid drums more than 1m in diameter and 700mm high form the front 10m high columns and support the pediment and 2½ tonne springers.

Pediment to Portico

The west elevation comprises Venetian windows and an entrance porch to a terrace facing a lake.

The stone used is massangis, quarried in the Dijon region of France and shipped in block form to APS Masonry in Osney Mead, Oxford, for manufacture and fixing.

West Elevation