Church Lane

The proposals have fully refurbished and modernised the house both internally and externally. The increased roof pitch over the main house serves to improve its scale and proportion whilst also increasing the ridge height by approximately 1.2m which is expressed internally in vaulted ceilings at first floor. The pitched roof is tiled in a high-quality slate to better reflect the local vernacular roofing style. Timber cladding has been used across first floor, left to naturally weather into a rich grey tone that sits harmoniously with the trees along the site boundary. The ground floor uses a soft, buff colour brick. The small unit modules add a rich texture to the walling that is reminiscent of rubble stone walling with a similar colour to Bath stone widely used across the Cotswold AONB. Seamed metal roofing has been used on the single storey flat roofing elements as the current alternative to traditional lead detailing. The materials selected are modest and draw reference on the local context.

In addition to visual improvements the works provide a highly insulated and low energy dwelling futureproofing the house for years to come. Glazing, insulation, airtightness & servicing all required modernisation to align this building with the requirements of a modern family home. An air source heat pump was installed for the pool and house heating with passive design measures adopted in the first instance and wherever opportunity allowed. The fabric improvements and use of photo voltaic solar panels will greatly reduce operational energy demands and carbon emissions fulfilling a key aspect of the brief.

It was also important to improve the functionality of the spaces. To the rear a small extension to the dining space is proposed alongside a new veranda and altered main roof. The external changes seek to unify the heavily articulated elevations to simplify and calm the composition. Internally the extension seeks to provide a generous open plan kitchen dining space, typical of modern day living, which better connects with the garden through large sliding doors bringing in generous amounts of natural light. The buff brick has been carried through from the exterior blurring the division between internal and external spaces which seamlessly meld into one. This is aided by the covered external terrace working to extend the sheltered living spaces and create a transition zone to the garden and pool area beyond. A variety of perennial and shrub planting establish a series of outdoor spaces that encourage a varied use of the garden spaces.