Designing Monaveen House – where European influences meet royal expectation

Back in 1988, after several false starts for Poundbury, HRH Prince Charles appointed urban theorist and planner Léon Krier to prepare a masterplan for an urban village – a vision now being executed as part of long-term development for this area.

Now a thriving town – but with new additions such as our Monaveen House still being created – Poundbury is a great example of a sustainable model for suburban development.

Since 2009, architect Ben Pentreath has adopted and honoured Krier’s original masterplan, overseeing the ongoing development of the town. His studio has created a variety of architectural styles in different areas of the development – giving internal layouts and external design equal prominence, but with particular effort paid to achieving a very high level of architectural detail.

On Monaveen House, a ‘Palazzina’ style has been the building’s inspiration. This architectural style sees apartments clustered around a central staircase and atrium and not only draws on Léon Krier’s vast work in European architecture, but also ensures aesthetic consistency with the neighbouring buildings of Bowes-Lyon House and Pavilion Yard.

Léon himself inputted in the designs too, suggesting arched brick windows and tall, mezzanine ground floors.

The result is a landmark structure at the heart of the town, with apartments that are a first for Poundbury. Monaveen House’s exceptional aesthetics include spacious living areas, large height windows and shaker-style kitchens, while penthouse apartments with pedimented roofs and large terraces overlook Queen Mother Square. All of the homes are housed within our beautiful structure.

Want to find out more? Our team are present within Monaveen House seven days per week and would love to show you around.