• Architects: Guttfield Architecture www. guttfieldarchitecture. co. uk
• Area: 192 m ²
• Photographs: Will Scott Photography
• Manufacturers: Cosentino, Allgood, Crosswater, ICB, Russwood, Solus Ceramics, Velfac, Rooflight Company
• Roofing: Bar Leadwork and Roofing
• Mechanical Services: Tilehurst Plumbers ground floor level a new kitchen and dining room are subtly divided by the steel and plywood staircase and both open out onto a kitchen garden planted with drought-resistant herbs and perennials.
Warm and natural materials were chosen for the interiors, with birch plywood being used for joinery throughout, including the kitchen, stairs, bathroom, wardrobes, dressing table, and bed. In the kitchen, the red brick external wall along the bridleway is exposed internally to add richness and color. The existing brick wall along the bridleway was rebuilt, wrapping around the new two-story timber volume.
When viewed from the bridleway, the first-floor timber volume is set back behind the brick wall to break down its massing and help it appear smaller. The barn-like form was developed to reflect nearby farm buildings, yet with crisp, minimal detailing and materials. Slim slats of horizontal Siberian Larch not only clad the walls but also neatly enveloped the roof, gutters, and rainwater pipework.
Local planners restricted any window openings that might overlook the bridleway, so the architects designed a series of privacy shutters that enabled a limited number of openings to be permitted. The only window on the bridleway side, forming part of the glazed slot to the stair, features a fixed screen of hit-and-miss timber slats that continue the clean lines of the cladding. In the master bedroom, a pair of interwoven larch shutters slide across each other allowing a variety of views and levels of privacy to be created.
The new extension, including all interiors as well as additional works within the existing cottage, was completed for under £ 350,000. Fred Guttfield, founder of Guttfield Architecture said:“ The design creates something unexpected, yet totally at home within this beautiful village. An old garage has been transformed into a series of living spaces that are full of light and fun. The pair of interwoven shutters sliding across each other provide a real moment of joy.”
www. guttfieldarchitecture. co. uk
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