Back to Georgian

When tasked with modernising and extending this spectacular house within a conservation area, we turned to Georgian architecture for inspiration. While originally built in a Georgian style, the internal parts of the property were disjointed and uncoordinated. In order to bring them in line with Georgian principles of symmetry and proportion, we reconfigured the floorplan to one more typical of a house of that era, as well as introducing original mouldings such as panelling, cornicing and skirting details.

Inspired by the surrounding village scene, the property remains Georgian in appearance from the outside. In contrast, the rear extension draws from contemporary architectural design principles: clean lines, floor-to-ceiling glass, vertical oak elements. Inspired by the pergola in the back garden, it takes the form of a pavilion type structure connected to the main house via a glazed link. The lightweight extension stands in juxtaposition to the building’s heavy masonry walls, combining polished concrete floors and original brickwork to create a striking contrast between old and new.

A sunken seating area offers wide-ranging views of the garden, improving the connection with the surrounding landscape. The contemporary open-plan living and kitchen area is flooded with light, with oak slatted walls providing texture and warmth. A secret door leads to an ancillary pantry space. A courtyard garden provides a focal point while facilitating cross ventilation to passively cool the building in the summer months; the triple glazed windows perform to Passivhaus standards.