USA Kitchen Trends US Kitchen Renovation Trends Vol. 30/11 | Page 98

straightforward,” Fratelle says. “Local regulations determined that the addition had to be a complementary, yet standalone structure – there needed to be a clear separation physically and aesthetically.” The architect’s solution was to contrast the traditional character of the cottage with a blackwashed cedar volume that frames the building in front. “In addition to planning a new house, we needed to restore the cottage, which was derelict,” says Fratelle. “The owners, who undertook all the building work 96 themselves, chipped off numerous coats of plaster, which had completely hidden the beautiful limestone. At some stage, many decades ago, lean-to accommodation had been added to the house. This was all removed, and the interior was gutted and completely relined.” The team also rebuilt the veranda, with new balustrading providing separation from the sidewalk – the woodwork was painted a soft smokey blue shade. The cottage is now an inviting home office, complete with sofa and wine cellar. search | save | share at trendsideas.com The old building is connected to the new volume via a flat-roofed linking element that provides a circulation area and laundry. But the main entry to the house is reached by a narrow path to the right of the cottage. “This is a very tight site, so every square foot had to be maximized, both inside and out,” says Fratelle. “We also wanted to orientate the house so it would be warmed by the sun in winter. At the same time, we needed to be able to cool it down quickly in summer.”