The Brief
Repeat clients Gary and Morag asked us to remodel a small 18th century cottage. Their priorities were to retain the historic front facade whilst creating a large family kitchen to the rear and relocating the bathroom from the ground floor to the first floor.
The solution
The challenge here was to blend a new two storey rear extension with the low ceiling heights and irregular floor levels within the existing structure. This scheme demanded skillful design to tie in the new roof to the existing. Additional support was introduced within the existing structure to support the new timber purlins.
The design managed to retain the distinctiveness of the existing cottage from the front elevation whilst creating a sympathetic two storey rear elevation that blended in with the original dwelling.
The result is a feeling of smooth transition from old to new with the much-needed addition of light and airy spaces created by the family kitchen area to the rear. The addition of bi-fold doors and Velux windows enhances the feeling of space and gives that continuous indoor to outdoor experience.
As well as creating a large family bathroom to the first floor we utilised space within the roof void into 2 additional en suites. Doubling the size of the first floor and transforming the feel of the home.
Gary and Morag were delighted that the finished scheme provides contemporary living spaces without compromising the integrity of the original cottage.
We have used Tom Withers Architecture on two building projects in 2007 and 2015 and have been extremely pleased with his service on both occasions. Tom gave us a clear competitive quote, we felt at ease discussing plans with him and he was willing to offer alternative suggestions to improve our ideas. Tom was able to grasp exactly what we wanted to achieve and was extremely helpful in executing this.
Tom was really helpful throughout the process from the design stage where his input and suggestions were a great help, to the planning stage where he dealt with the local authority on our behalf, to liaising with the builder. He oversaw the build from the start until completion.
He has a friendly informal approach while offering an excellent professional service, Tom took all the stress from us throughout the process and we would have no hesitation in using his services again or in recommending him to both householders and businesses.
Morag and Gary Stanley, Feb 2019
