Mole Architects elevates “mundane” 1960s English bungalow with new extension
Nick Guttridge

Mole Architects elevates “mundane” 1960s English bungalow with new extension

27 Jan 2025  •  News  •  By Gerard McGuickin

Cambridge-based architectural studio Mole Architects has completed the upgrade and extension of an everyday 1960s holiday home in Aldeburgh, a town on England’s Suffolk coast. The bungalow is just a stone's throw from the sea, hence the project’s title: Stone’s Throw. The home’s existing layout was poorly arranged, its sunny side dominated by a double garage and the living space deprived of adequate sunlight. The reconfigured arrangement now incorporates a bright and airy space that looks towards the sea, elevating a somewhat “mundane” dwelling by adding contemporary flair.

photo_credit Mole Architects
Mole Architects
photo_credit Nick Guttridge
Nick Guttridge
photo_credit Nick Guttridge
Nick Guttridge

The new extension’s high ceiling includes a triangular roof light; an angled column divides the raised living area from the kitchen and dining space. A large block of black Belvedere marble sits on end-grain woodblock flooring — central to the space, the marble’s color and pattern is “reminiscent of a Maggie Hambling painting of the sea,” says Mole Architects. (Maggie Hambling is a British artist known for her intricate seascapes.) “The old bungalow has been upgraded and transformed into a new light-filled house: a grand house on a modest scale,” says the studio.

photo_credit Nick Guttridge
Nick Guttridge
photo_credit Nick Guttridge
Nick Guttridge

The bungalow’s owners had explored the idea of a new house — however, the actual structure was fine and with refinement would meet their needs. The decision was thus made to keep the existing bungalow, add an extension, and rearrange the dwelling to make best use of the plot. The owners desired a larger living space and an en suite bathroom.

photo_credit Mole Architects
Mole Architects
photo_credit Mole Architects
Mole Architects
photo_credit Nick Guttridge
Nick Guttridge
photo_credit Nick Guttridge
Nick Guttridge

The home’s original kitchen and living room were at the plot’s southern end, however their close proximity to trees on the southern boundary reduced the amount of sunlight and views of the garden; to the northern end was a large and rarely used garage. The extension replaces this garage, projecting into the garden and providing the new living space with a south-facing view to trees beyond the garden. A large east-facing window looks towards the sea and enjoys views of the sky. Mole Architects incorporated a change of level that creates a defined and intimate living area; the triangular roof light brings natural light from a southern direction into the center of the extension and the stained timber joists provide a characterful feature.

photo_credit Nick Guttridge
Nick Guttridge
photo_credit Nick Guttridge
Nick Guttridge
photo_credit Nick Guttridge
Nick Guttridge

The existing bungalow was upgraded with new double-glazed windows and doors as well as new loft insulation. The addition of new cladding unifies the original structure with the extension. The extension is constructed using a timber frame and clad in cedar. Its U-value exceeds building regulation requirements by 30 percent.

photo_credit Nick Guttridge
Nick Guttridge
photo_credit Nick Guttridge
Nick Guttridge

Gross internal floor area: 214 square meters (2,303 square feet)

Bungalow refurbishment: 140 square meters (1,507 square feet)

Extension: 74 square meters (796 square feet)