The Gables

The project is the extension and renovation of a period property in a conservation area. It has been designed both as a bold contemporary statement, and a sensitive addition which respects and enhances the scale, form and character of the original building. The project has successfully achieved a striking modern design which sits comfortably within its conservation area context, and it demonstrates that modern buildings can enhance traditional settings.

The brief was to create a new open plan, modern kitchen and family area to the side of the property. The existing house was to be totally renovated and refurbished to update the accommodation to modern standards. The house name, “The Gables”, was the starting point for the design idea. The original house was a series of gable forms, built in sandstone with slate roofs. The new extension is a double pitched shape which repeats the end gable elevation of the original house, and expresses this in modern materials. In this way, it both contrasts and compliments the building. The external walls are clad in zinc standing seam panels, chosen as a high quality, durable material which has a hand crafted appearance.

The extension is designed to maximise light and views to the garden situated to the front (south) of the property. Over the kitchen to the rear sits an additional bedroom while the family room is a double height space which maximises sunlight from the south. A library area has been created at the top of the main staircase, providing views over the double height family room and access to a new bedroom and en-suite. Roof lights are positioned to achieve maximum light into the new living and bedroom spaces. The original house has been completely refurbished and new accommodation has been created in the attic storey.

The contrast between old and new follows through from the exterior into the interior. Internally the finishes to the extension are simple and modern in intentional stark contrast with the more traditional finishes to the refurbished part of the house. The use of different colours, fabrics and patterned wallpaper give each room in the existing house a clear identity. The original part of the house has been transformed and refurbished on all three floors to provide generous bedrooms, dressing rooms, games room and bathrooms.