Cambridge Residence

The site is a beautiful idyllic open English garden on which sits a Grade 2 listed former dairy. This building had previously been converted to a residential space with very restricted ceilings and light. The beautiful site also benefits from protected fields to the front and rear of the property. This modest little project started with the observation that the residence was a collection of buildings added to the dairy with no aspect to the garden. Working closely with the client it was agreed that the extension should reflect its place in time. The extension includes a garage, a bedroom with living area, a storage block containing clothes and a bathroom with adjoining North East facing terrace. The budget dictated the height and position of the new extension be governed by an existing garage, with the foundations and block-work to ground level recycled in the new building.

The very challenging budget determined the construction methodology and ensured that priority was given to a few carefully chosen elements that would best serve the concept. The building resulted in being an essay in an architectural language crafted from a simple method of construction using a combination of natural and industrial materials. The building attempts to be a simple and rewarding piece of architecture. A process of reductive planning allows the user to enjoy the connection with the garden without needless visual interruption. Simple thoughts were given to circulation and views to maximise the impact of this small structure and bring the garden into the building.