Four Houses
- By Simon Hoyle
- •
- 14 Apr, 2018
- •
Simple forms & materiality
Four Houses is historically four sandstone cottages which have been amalgamated to form one property. The extension comprising two blocks of similar form provide two functions – the garage block with a rainscreen of thin strip timber over a rubber waterproof membrane runs parallel with the main A-road providing an acoustic screen to road noise shielding the newly formed courtyard gardens. The living block which has a zinc wrap, divides the garden adding private courtyards to the existing open and exposed spaces. Large extents of glazing on the East and West façade allow the courtyards to merge through the house extending the living & entertainment space further.
The ground floor provides a generous double height vaulted kitchen, dining and entertainment space with supporting utility and gardener’s room. From a first-floor gallery access to a guest bedroom with ensuite and the master bedroom with dressing room and ensuite is gained, views from the master bedroom extend across the open countryside.
Together the three similar forms of sandstone, metal and
timber provide modern & practical living spaces reconnecting with the
landscape in which they sit.
Fingers crossed for planning permission in two weeks...
Watch this space for progress photos.
We took on a very small
project in January for an expectant couple. Their brief was to provide a snug, with
space for a sofa bed so visiting grandparents could stay, a wet-room and ‘baby stuff’ storage
space as part of only a 6sqm extension. The challenging part was that this
would be on the principal elevation of an elevated plot where the planners have concerns about prominence, mass and scale.
We won consent for a small entrance extension which provides a wet-room and storage space either side of the new front door. Remodelling a small downstairs bathroom and storage cupboard provide the required snug.
The project has taken 15 weeks from the initial meeting to planning consent including (an extended) 13 week statutory period with the local planning authority.
