A Fresh Face for a 1990’s Home

This project is the retrofit and renovation of a family home in Gloucestershire. The existing building was constructed approximately 30 years ago and had been extended and altered by the previous owners. It had an awkward floor plan with disjointed spaces which did not take advantage of the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Austin Design Works was appointed to remove the existing glass link, to design an extension between the house and the annexe, remodel the interiors and improve the connections within the spaces, establishing a flow within the house and opening up to the daylight and views.

The house now has a generous open-plan living-kitchen-dining space with gorgeous views over the valley, increased access to natural light and an improved connection to the garden. The interior spaces also extend outwards onto a generous balcony which wraps around the South and East elevations.

Careful detailing of joinery has brought playfulness and warmth to the spaces.

As part of the renovation works, the house was thermally upgraded by replacing the insulation within the cavity walls and roof, repointing the stone walls, and increasing the airtightness of the fabric. This substantial construction work has created a comfortable living environment, reducing draughts, energy bills and temperature imbalances throughout the year.

Part of the project was to extensively modernise the exterior appearance of the house, these included the introduction of large glazed openings, natural wood cladding, the construction of large balconies with beautifully detailed handrails, creating an indoor-outdoor feel. 

Architect: Austin Design Works

Structural engineer: Goodhind Engineering

Quantity surveyor: Broadhursts CQS

Kitchen design: Woodchester Cabinet Makers

Main contractor: DJP Construction Ltd

Photography: Adam Carter Photography