In Wiltshire, UK, Prewett Bizley Architects has designed a new extension and refurbishment for a Grade II listed three storey Georgian townhouse located in the Malmesbury Conservation area. While the extension, clad in rose-coloured zinc, is a very 21st century addition to the house, the architects took a lot of care to celebrate, preserve or echo the house's historical evolutions.
The house has a colourful history that resulted in various eccentricities, both charming and awkward, say the architects. First established in the 1670s, it was converted in 1800 into a Georgian style house, yet was later subdivided into three dwellings and then back into a single family home.
It's 21st century evolution shows how existing and historic architecture can grow organically with time, and convert sustainably to new ways of life, with thoughtful re-planning and minimal demolition. Architects Graham Bizley and Robert Prewett, who founded the practice in 2005 and now have studios in London and Somerset, apply this way of thinking to each project they work on.
Their goal for this project was to create a more comfortable and modern home for a family. Several problems needed to be addressed to achieve this. The house's kitchen was cramped, the narrow corridor that lead to the living spaces was dark, and an abrupt level change in the garden completely disconnected the house from the outdoors.
The modern extension expands the kitchen into an uplifting dining space more suitable for family life and the pitch of the roof opens the space up to the garden bringing in views of the landscape. A new terrace features an outdoor dining space.
Respecting the history of the building, the architects designed a new top-lit central hallway that echoes the rustic character of the house. The original stone wall was repaired and three concrete portals added, along with the exposed spruce roof structure that both nod to the former agricultural use of the space. Elsewhere, modern paints and plasters were stripped back and the old stone roof was re-laid with insulation.
Combining a clean-cut extension, with insightful echoes, and some tending to history, the resulting design is a unique and unashamed celebration of its past.
INFORMATION
-
Are Derwent London's new lounges the future of workspace?Property developer Derwent London’s new lounges – created for tenants of its offices – work harder to promote community and connection for their users
-
Showing off its gargoyles and curves, The Gradel Quadrangles opens in OxfordThe Gradel Quadrangles, designed by David Kohn Architects, brings a touch of playfulness to Oxford through a modern interpretation of historical architecture
-
A Norfolk bungalow has been transformed through a deft sculptural remodellingNorth Sea East Wood is the radical overhaul of a Norfolk bungalow, designed to open up the property to sea and garden views
-
A new concrete extension opens up this Stoke Newington house to its gardenArchitects Bindloss Dawes' concrete extension has brought a considered material palette to this elegant Victorian family house
-
A former garage is transformed into a compact but multifunctional spaceA multifunctional, compact house by Francesco Pierazzi is created through a unique spatial arrangement in the heart of the Surrey countryside
-
A 1960s North London townhouse deftly makes the transition to the 21st CenturyThanks to a sensitive redesign by Studio Hagen Hall, this midcentury gem in Hampstead is now a sustainable powerhouse.
-
Manchester United and Foster + Partners to build a new stadium: ‘Arguably the largest public space in the world’The football club will spend £2 billion on the ambitious project, which co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has described as the ‘world's greatest football stadium’
-
'Bold and unapologetic', this contemporary Wimbledon home replaces a 1970s house on siteThis grey-brick Wimbledon home by McLaren Excell is a pairing of brick and concrete, designed to be mysterious
