Conservation Area

Farm buildings are under threat in all parts of the world, more so than any other building type. It is not only the case that changing agricultural practices have rendered historic barns, granaries, pigsties, and cattle sheds redundant. Generally removed from population centres, they tend to escape the attention of building conservationists and developers and fall into disrepair. One way to address their decline is to reconceptualise them as museum pieces, inviting the public to step into life on a working farm inspired by a fixed point in history. Another is to inject new energy into their historic fabric with sensitive and appropriate change of use. Edmund Sumner Edmund Sumner Edmund Sumner Attracted by the beautiful lands... More

We restored a Victorian house in the Wanstead Village Conservation Area with an extension that offers diverse vistas and seamless connections to the landscaped gardens, enriching the overall experience. Chris Snook Chris Snook Chris Snook Chris Snook   WHAT’S THE SHOWPIECE? Undoubtedly the European Larch timber-clad rear extension, which seamlessly feathers into the building and is the result of intricate design and craftsmanship. There are no blunt edges, each individual timber joist was measured three times and laser cut, and the nails are lined up to perfection, creating a stunning piece of architecture that looks and feels as though the home is cocooned in a nest.   Chris Snook Chris Snook... More

This new build contemporary Hampshire home is uniquely positioned to capture a trio of different views: Lymington Old Town, the reeds of the neighbouring river and a thick copse of trees. Brett Charles Photography A sense of connection to the natural landscape was a key element of the owners’ brief, who chose this specific location for their retirement due to its idyllic setting and the potential to create their own, highly sustainable and sensitively modern home. Brett Charles Photography Glazed front and back, the house maintains a strong relationship with the lush gardens and allows natural light to flood the central corridor, leading either to the spacious open plan kitchen and living space or to more intimate rooms, s... More

The Blinker House is located within a heritage conservation area within the suburb of Hunters Hill, close to the centre of Sydney. The site and surrounding properties are typically freestanding homes on medium and larger sized garden blocks. The existing house is an exceptional example of an Australian period home circa 1927. A 1980’s renovation existed to the rear of the house which did not fit the current owner’s requirements and expectations of family moving into the future. The primary brief was to create a more modern, open plan layout to the rear with some modification to the existing internal bedrooms to the front. The neighbouring home has a position so that the entertainment area backs directly onto the rear of the subject property... More

Situated in a central Cambridge conservation area, the building carefully addresses the scale and character of the surrounding urban fabric whilst providing a dynamic new focus for the school. Formed by the overhang of the rooftop sports pitch, an external canopy has been expressed in a deep weave of glulam beams that spread from the activity space out into the courtyard like a tree canopy, supported by organically-shaped tilted columns. A crisply detailed brick plinth wraps around the building, visually supporting a bronze-clad suite of learning spaces. It is this material richness which greatly adds to the impact of the buildingPROJECT DETAILSThe new building sits between, and connects to, two existing school buildings, improving access t... More

Holm Place is a new dwelling in the rural village of South Warnborough, Hampshire, UK. Planning permission was granted in August 2014, and the project was completed in July 2017.The 0.12 hectares site is located in the upper garden of Manor Court, a 17th century Grade II listed building which is situated in the South Warnborough Conservation Area.The design of the house aims to build a successful relationship with the listed building, utilising materials and forms that are reflective of the scale and proportion of the site. The sensitive siting of the design together with an exemplary architectural response sought to enhance the character of the area.Manor Court is surrounded by a generous garden which itself is bounded by protected mature... More