Poets View private residence

Overview

Poets View is a breathtaking Art Deco-inspired private residence located on the dramatic North Yorkshire coastline. This substantial two-storey home is positioned on West Cliff in Whitby, with stunning views of the sea.

Mason Clark Associates (MCA) was appointed to deliver structural and civil engineering design, as well as Principal Designer services under the CDM Regulations. The home, which has gained much attention from local media, is a true testament to the collaboration of skilled tradespeople and the use of locally sourced materials.

Challenges and Solutions

The Poets View project came with its own set of unique challenges, from design intricacies to environmental factors:

• Architectural complexity: the house features several striking design elements, including a 5m-long "horizon window," glazed circular turrets and a delicate s-shaped wrought iron spiral staircase. Our structural engineers had to ensure these distinctive features were not only visually impressive but structurally sound. The slender roof structure was designed with great care to achieve both durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Exposed coastal location: given the residence’s location on the North Yorkshire coastline, the building was designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. The structure had to cope with strong coastal winds and high levels of rainfall. We reinforced the main structure to ensure it could endure these challenges without compromising on design.
• Drainage and attenuation: for our civil engineering team, one of the critical aspects was the design of the below-ground drainage and attenuation system. The system was designed to manage heavy rainfall effectively, preventing flooding and ensuring the property remains functional and safe year-round.

MCA's Contribution

We provided a comprehensive suite of engineering services for the Poets View project. Our structural and civil engineering teams were instrumental in delivering this complex and innovative design, working in close partnership with the client, architect and contractor.

Our contributions included:

• Structural engineering: full design of both substructures and superstructure, including unique architectural features and ensuring structural integrity throughout the property.
• Civil engineering: responsible for the design of the below-ground drainage system and the hardstanding areas around the building, ensuring that water management and site stability were optimised.
• Principal Designer services: acting as CDM Principal Designer, we oversaw all health and safety aspects, advising on design considerations and preparing pre-construction information to ensure safe project delivery.

Results

Poets View was completed following a two-year planning and design phase, with an additional fourteen months of construction. Since its completion, the property has received significant media attention for its stunning design and craftsmanship. The house stands as a landmark on the North Yorkshire coast, combining modern engineering with timeless Art Deco elegance.

Our role in the project ensured the seamless integration of innovative design elements, structural integrity and environmental resilience, delivering a truly exceptional private residence that will last for years to come.