Burnham Rise, Norfolk - Pitted Polished Plaster

"A distinctive contemporary dwelling rooted in Norfolk's vernacular"

We are proud to share the details of this award-winning design project at Burnham Rise in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, where our Pitted Polished Plaster is featured throughout this striking new build on the north Norfolk coast. 

Comprised of three pavilions with steeply pitched roof gables and sculptural chimney stacks, the property boasts a distinctive silhouette, and with it's "upside down house" layout, extensive glazing allows stunning views of the ocean and surrounding woodland. The central pavilion features a double-height living space, with a private master suite in the west pavilion, and a kitchen and utility in the east. 

The project celebrates a refined material palette which is deeply rooted in it's coastal Norfolk setting. Robust masonry, local stone and long-format brickwork ground the house in it's landscape, with hardwood cladding and a bronzed, pre-patinated zinc roof - a contemporary reinterpretation of the pantiled roofs intrinsic to coastal Norfolk's architecture. 

Oak is a prominent material throughout the interior design scheme, with a folding oak-panelled ceiling, fluted oak wall panelling and wide oak floorboards, balanced by areas of soft, textured polished plaster which introduce contrast and depth. 

Our Pitted Polished Plaster was applied throughout the ground floor and first floor of the central pavilion, to wall areas in the library, cinema, WC, cloakroom and double height living/dining area, as well as to the hallway and staircase walls and balustrades, creating a central feature unifying the two floors. 

The gentle pitting in our Pitted Polished Plaster creates depth and tactility, particuarly along the staircase balustrade beneath the skylight, where shifting daylight interacts with the semi-polished surface, enhancing the subtle texture and tonal variation of the plaster. Combined with the extensive glazing in the living/dining area, which allows an abundance of natural light, the finish contributes to the sense of openness and visual continuity throughout. 

It was a real pleasure for our team to work on this project, from enjoying a stay way in Norfolk to applying our finishes within such a beautifully considered home. The quality of the architecture and attention to detail made it a genuinely rewarding experience.

We are not surprised to hear that the project has since been recognised by Norwich and Norfolk Design and Craftsmanship Awards, receiving an award in the Houses and Housing New Build category for creating a distinctive contemporary dwelling rooted in Norfolk's vernacular. These awards are a celebration of outstanding buildings throughout Norfolk which positively affect the region's built environment, with awards being given to projects with a high standard of design and craftsmanship in their construction and finishes, where consideration has been taken for wider environmental implications.

This reflects the values underpinning this project, and polished plaster was selected not only for its refined appearance and handcrafted quality, but also for its sustainable credentials. Made from natural limestone, the material is breathable, low-impact and free from VOCs, contributing to a healthier internal environment. In this way, the polished plaster finish supports both the aesthetic intent and the wider environmental considerations for the build, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful material selection throughout the project.