Cedar House A remodelled and extended home in a Conservation Area
The client had purchased a dilapidated 1950s house in a residential street in Bristol, and wanted to transform it into a modern, bright and low energy family home. After discussions about the merits of retaining all, part or none of the existing accommodation, it was decided to leave the front part of the house in tact with a new extension to the rear. The retained section was renovated and included a new slate roof, metal windows and was overclad with insulating render to improve the thermal performance. The rear of the house took on a softer character using western red cedar cladding and contained the new heart of the house; a double height dining space with direct access into the kitchen and a new staircase leading to a first floor gallery.
Briefing document
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Cornbury Mill Modern refurbishment of historic watermill
Described as “a picture book C18th mill house set in beautiful mature gardens”, the project to refurbish an old watermill near Devizes turned out to be very challenging. Designscape were appointed to convert the mill for use as a calming weekend retreat. The building had previously undergone many changes and was dark and damp, suffering from low ceilings and made up of many small rooms. Surprisingly perhaps it is not listed and the alterations did not require planning permission.
Our approach was to undertake a sympathetic renovation, stripping back recent alterations and opening up the floorplan to let in more daylight. This simple architectural intervention transformed the interior by providing a light and airy open plan living space, aided by the use of light finishes throughout. Major challenges were overcome during construction including a high water table, significant roof structure repairs, and the reconstruction of a substantial masonry chimney breast. These were addressed in a collaborative fashion by the design team and contractor, assisted by the clients’ understanding approach and trust in their professional advisors. The house is transformed on the inside but little altered externally. It remains a gem and as charming as it always was, but now the interiors are clean, warm, light and a joy to be in.
Sydney Buildings Modern extension of a listed house
Sydney Buildings is a desirable street on the southern slopes of central Bath. Our client purchased a run-down listed property previously used as student accommodation with the aspiration to return it back into a family home. After careful analysis of the historic value of various aspects of the building fabric, we prepared a scheme that stripped away the modern layers of inappropriate interventions, repaired original features and sensitively introduced new services to make the house fit for modern life. The highlight is the new contemporary double-height bay window in the basement that opens out into the garden providing views across the Kennet and Avon Canal to the city skyline beyond.
Monkton Farleigh Timber framed extension to Listed Cottage
The project involved the refurbishment and extension of a grade II listed cottage in the picturesque village of Monkton Farleigh (Green Belt and AONB). One of a row of two, formally three cottages, the building had been extensively remodelled and was badly in need of modernisation. Challenges included a flying freehold over the neighbouring cottage. Designscape were appointed as having the knowledge and experience best suited to the owner’s needs and objectives. The brief was to undertake a sympathetic renovation of the house, strip out modern alterations, make minor modifications to the layout, upgrade building services, and where feasible, upgrade the building fabric. The attic became a main bedroom suite and a poorly constructed C20th extension replaced with a new design built to a high standard and making the most of the garden and views across the fields beyond. The result is a series of high quality, light, airy, warm and healthy living spaces which retain and enhance much of the old character, whilst adding a new layer which will age sympathetically with the dwelling. The project stands out in achieving a successful marriage of thoughtful design, an understanding client, and some conscientious workmanship from the builder which in our experience is a rare commodity in projects of this scale and complexity.
Hillcrest A new community of six houses
A new community in a woodland setting.
This project for six new houses is located upon a hill north of Bristol within the village of Winterbourne Down. The wooded site previously formed the garden of a large derelict house and contained a disused quarry. The houses are arranged around a central ‘clearing’. Constructed with rubble stone and timber clad walls the houses are designed to reflect the character of the site and nearby listed church. The houses are positioned around protected trees and to maximise views from the elevated site. Four of the houses are substantial homes with 5 or more bedrooms and double garages. One has an outdoor swimming pool. The two remaining are designated affordable homes.
Hawker’s Meadow Sustainable community for active retired living
Located on the edge of the village of Batheaston, this project for 20 houses, 10 apartments and clubhouse facilities is for a new model community for the active and retired. Arranged around a common pedestrian ‘yard’ the residents enjoy common facilities including gym, bar, library, function space and a wildlife water meadow with the wider community. Parking is provided in a basement car park. The buildings are designed to respond to the local agricultural tradition, maintain a modern appearance and provide connected digital facilities for residents within the highly insulated and energy efficient homes.
Rodwell Road Six modern apartments
A development of six flats in Weymouth, replacing a 1930s detached house on a prominent corner on the edge of the town centre. As a response to the acute need for housing, both in Weymouth and elsewhere, the flats are all designed with two “equal” bedrooms and two bathrooms – to suit a number of different potential occupiers – from a retired couple to a young family or potentially two single people or two couples sharing a flat. One side of the site fronts onto a busy road, so the building is organised with the circulation and public areas on the noisy side, and all the living spaces are arranged on the quiet East facing side, so that every flat has a large outside terrace, with views towards the sea.
Rotork A new factory
This project is for a new 12,000 sq.m. factory building for Bath based engineering manufacturers Rotork. With business expanding beyond the capacity of their existing site, the company needed to consider alternative locations nearby. The building includes office, manufacturing, storage and distribution spaces employing 400 people. Our proposal sought to use the natural slope of the site to accommodate the different volumes required for each activity in an attractive setting and create a high-quality working environment for staff and visitors.
Mount Pleasant A steel framed garden room extension
Occupying a hillside site with good views south over Bradford on Avon, this intricate project proved challenging due to the extent of structural works required to support the existing house above. Fortunate timing meant that our client was able to make use of the contractor who had recently completed a similarly challenging project at Cornbury Mill as well as sharing his desire to achieve high standards of finish.
The uncompromising design removes a lower section of bay window and replaces it with a larger, heavily glazed extension and wrap around slot window which allows natural light to penetrate deep into the house. Internal reorganisation provides much improved open plan living, dining and kitchen areas, facilitated by the installation of a fire resistant glazed screen and new timber staircase to the upper levels. The result is a light and bright multi-purpose room where the family spend much of their time together, providing a new direct and open relationship between house and garden.