Current Projects

Located in the countryside to the North of Chesterfield, this project involves the conversion of an existing stable building to form a large individual private dwelling. Whilst the clients were eager to utilise a contemporary form of design, it was important to retain the character and twin pitch roof form of the existing stable building. Proposals include generous open plan living spaces and bedroom accommodation, most of which is positioned and orientated to benefit from dramatic views of the countryside though large window openings formed within the existing building fabric. The scheme is predominantly single storey, with nearly all spaces taking advantage of the height and volume afforded by the vaulted structure of the existing stable roof. Externally the existing blockwork walls are to be clad with vertical charred/blackened timber cladding, with the roof to receive a new dark aluminium standing seam roof finish. Areas of natural larch cladding are then used to provide some contrast and added interest to the larger expanses of darker elevational elements.

Current stage - Planning

Working with or in close proximity to buildings of historical interest and value can be a challenge. Finding the correct balance and approach for this brick built single storey dwelling which is to be built as 'annexe extension' to an existing agricultural building proved to be no different; standing adjacent to the clients stunning existing property which dates back to the early 1800's. This single storey dwelling will provide an additional new home for the family, and has been designed to remain clearly subservient to the existing property in terms of its prominence, scale, and proportions. The simple, subtle, contemporary aesthetic and detailing helps draw a distinction between the two differing periods in which the two buildings were/are to be built, whist a material palate comprising largely of beige/sandstone coloured brickwork provides a complementary visual and textural link to the stonework of the existing historical property. 

Current stage - Building Regulations/Tender

As an ode to the existing agricultural barn which currently occupies the site (built by one of the clients grandfathers), this new black metal clad dwelling has been designed as a contemporary interpretation of the barn which it is to replace; drawing inspiration and reference from its asymmetric form and rugged materiality. The clients were keen to adopt a unique contemporary approach to the design, resulting in a simple, modern, barn like form, enveloped in black corrugated aluminium cladding. A playful order has been applied to the positioning and proportions of the largely unbroken punched window and door openings within the façades. Internal levels and spaces are divided over split levels to transition the change in level of the site from front to rear, with the playfulness evident to the external aesthetic brought inside and applied to the internal layout. Different floors are accessed via half level flights of stairs, whilst light, airy voids and gallery spaces overlook and open dramatic volumes to principle living and circulation spaces.

Current stage - Building Regulations/Tender

All across our country are a wealth of beautiful, unused agricultural buildings, no longer required for the purpose for which they were built, begging to be repurposed and reused. This old hay barn to the outskirts of Lymm, disused and falling into disrepair, was no exception. Consisting of only 8no solid brickwork piers with a slate clad timber roof over, this open hay barn is to be converted to form two new semi-detached dwellings. Accommodation within the existing barn will be set out over three floors, with generous open plan living spaces provided to ground floor level. Each dwelling benefits from a contemporary brick built flat roof side extension to each end of the building, adding valuable floor area and living space to the proposals. Externally, our aim was to retain the character of the original barn wherever possible - especially to the primary field side elevation which is the most visible facade from the surrounding landscape. This was approached by treating and infilling the large openings between the structural piers with large glazed expanses where possible, and soft vertical larch timber cladded areas to the solid elements. Additional vertical timber slatted guardings are then to be provided to the front of openable glazed elements, providing further relief and feature to the elevations.

Current stage - Under Construction

Situated on sensitive site in the Yorkshire countryside to the South of Wakefield, four bespoke new dwellings are to built on the site of an old golf driving range, for four individual clients. Due to the sensitive nature and rural setting of the scheme, the Local Planning Authority stipulated that the proposals were reflect the layout and appearance of a farm stead, forming a tight cluster of farm like buildings. The architectural styling was to also follow this rationale, and take precedent from this aesthetic. The proposed buildings were therefore designed to resemble a cluster of converted farm buildings, faced with materials commonly found within the local context and vernacular. Each dwelling has been designed to meet the specific needs of the individual clients, whilst also reflecting their individual tastes from an aesthetic point of view. 

Current stage - Under Construction

Our clients vision was to convert an existing stable building to form a compact 1 bedroom dwelling, whilst still retaining half of the original stable building for its function as a stable. Our response was to develop an efficient and compact well proportioned dwelling, with a cosy yet usable open plan kitchen, living and dining space, and one double bedroom amongst other ancillary and secondary facilities. A simple rationale was applied to the external treatment, with large feature windows formed within the existing building fabric to serve primary internal spaces and rooms. With natural vertical timber boarding applied to the elevations, and a sheet metal roof, the proposals provided a sleek, cost effective, and contextual solution for the client.

Current stage - Under Construction

This 1960's property has undergone a full refurbishment, with our clients choosing to futureproof the house in the process. The refurbishment has included construction of a large contemporary flat roof single storey extension, clad in vertical Accoya timber boarding. The extension which wraps itself round three sides of the house, encasing the garage and porch of the original house. This has facilitated a full modernisation of the house as a whole, with principle living spaces have created within the new extension, and with primary bedroom accommodation now relocated to the ground floor.

Current stage - Completed (awaiting photography)

Two storey side and single storey rear extension to a private house, built circa 1940/1950s. Planning restrictions enforced by the Local Planning Authority dictated that the proposed design was to match the existing architecture in order to maintain the appearance of the street scene. This was adhered to as closely as feasibly possible, with the existing and proposed elevations tied into one another seamlessly, with the existing brick and material details forensically replicated. To the rear, where planning restrictions were not quite so stringent, a more contemporary approach was adopted. Existing rooms were opened out into the new single story rear extension to form a large open plan kitchen, dining and living space. A single ultra slimline, wide format tri-sliding aluminium door system opens from this space into the well tendered mature gardens outside.