Grade II listed Crouchers Cottage.

Our commission was to re-imagine the existing property to provide a more contemporary feel and aesthetic to contrast the original historic building, together with improved flow and practicality to ensure the cottages relevance into the 21st Century .

The existing dwelling comprises the original building and a two storey extension (2004). The design which received planning and listed building approval in December 2015 demonstrates that responding to an existing listed building doesn’t forgo the use of modern material and aesthetic. A contemporary look is often more successful if used in a thoughtful and considered manner as it contrasts the old and is in greater servitude of the existing dwelling. 

The proposed scheme responds to the existing context by not trying to duplicate the existing style but by throwing the existing style in to a greater dramatic prominence. Through creating an extension which is true to the time in which it is built, the scheme will provide a clear distinction between old and new, avoiding the appearance of another ad-hoc addition. The scheme introduces a flat roof extension which replaces the existing linking passage with gabled roof to contrast the gable forms of the existing whilst a great deal of consideration has been given to the physical junction between the old and new. 

At both the SE & NW elevations where the intersection between the old and new exists, large glazed units have been arranged in the ground floor to emphasise a light touch, whilst creating a permeable facade with views through to the existing elevation and directly through to the surrounding countryside. A new volume is proposed at the first floor, containing the new family bathroom and staircase. They have been designed in such a way that it lets you see the existing chimney of the original building, since the chimney acts as the limiting factor of the new volume. The SE elevation of this volume is proposed to be clad in StoVentec glass rain screen cladding system to allow the reflection of the surrounding natural materials, countryside and the sky.