Project Description
Ben Cunliffe Architects were approached by the owners of this semi-detached property to design a single-storey extension with plenty of ‘wow’ factor.
The house is set within a courtyard development in a rural location on the edge of the Lake District National Park. The extension is positioned on the gable end of the property and was designed to provide a new kitchen and dining area with level access to the picturesque gardens.
The extension has been designed to be as large as possible; with a near two-storey vaulted height ceiling combined with the generous floor area providing a space which feels almost cathedral-like. Stepping down from the lounge, through openings either side of the original fireplace, into the kitchen, further emphasises the spatial impact.
The existing fireplace has been re-constructed to permit a double-sided wood-burning stove.
The extension was constructed from timber frame, with the panels manufactured off site. Externally the extension has been finished in untreated vertical cedar cladding boards; dark grey aluminium windows and doors; and a grey metal standing seam steel roof.
The oversized canopy at the south-facing rear of the extension was designed to provide solar shading. A similar canopy at the front of the extension doubles as an open porch for the back door, providing shelter from the notorious Cumbrian weather!
Internally, the kitchen has been designed and fitted to a high standard, and is complemented by a beautiful engineered oak floor, lime-washed exposed roof timbers and contemporary lighting.
The space is flooded with natural light, thanks to the oversized gable end windows and the wrap-around south-facing folding glazed doors.
As part of the wider works to the property, there were some alterations to the entrance area which created a new cloakroom and shower room; the original kitchen was converted into a utility room; and alterations to the lounge saw windows becoming full-height glazed doors.
Even though some of the alterations to the existing building were more cosmetic than structural, combined with the new extension the whole house has been completely transformed.
