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When their children headed off to university, our clients didn’t want to sit still. They saw an opportunity to refresh the family cottage they’d lived in for several years, giving it new life for a new chapter. We’re making it happen, with some simple planning moves – and a radical design – that will provide a strong contrast with the original house.

Our work will rectify poor ventilation throughout the house and unwanted levels of damp, ensuring the renovation starts from a safe foundation. From there, we’ll demolish an old post-war addition and create a new kitchen-dining space.

Reclaimed bricks and black zinc

Set to be completed in a Conservation Area, the ground floor will be clad in timber, and the first floor and roof in black zinc. The design centres on creating a strong contrast between old and new – the original house was built from reclaimed bricks (from a previous property damaged in a fire) – and the bold design will do just that.

The angled plan is a direct response to the irregular L-shape plot, situated on a curve in the road, with openings designed to frame key views of the substantial garden, including a series of mature trees which we plan to retain.

A series of set backs and trapezoidal roof forms are design to minimise impact on neighbouring properties. The material choices (metal and timber) reference the agricultural setting of the wider village. Planning officers of Huntingdonshire have approved, praising the project’s promotion of a “high quality design and high value extension” – and helping us achieve planning approval smoothly.

Unlocking space through design

But it’s the more radical design changes we’re excited to see realised. We’re moving the staircase, reinventing and improving the relationship between the house and garden. This change is set to unlock the whole home – enabling us to turn two double rooms and a box room upstairs, into four double bedrooms.

A rooflight over the new staircase and the creation of a triple-height space will make for the perfect centrepiece in the home at Christmas time. While a bar nestled beneath the stairs will be perfect place to entertain throughout the year.

The project started on site in Winter 2022 with completion targeted for Summer 2023.

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