HAZLEWOOD

PROJECT BRIEF

The Clients had recently purchased the detached house in a rural setting, but the property was in need of some modernisation throughout. Abodhi architects were employed to enhance the overall aesthetic, whilst also keeping an eye on cost. We recognised early on that the double garage was in a prime spot and not making the most of the long views to the east and the direct sun to the west. The existing layout of this end of the house was also uninspiring and circulation routes were awkward, with the stairs being in the wrong place. The suggestion was to move the entrance to create a grand opening, where once there was a garage door, and introduce a more agricultural vernacular. The stairs to the first floor were also moved to improve flow, and some double height voids introduced with roof lights above, in order to stimulate the spaces created.

CONSTRUCTION

A small extension of 2m projection was constructed at the rear of the existing garage to allow for the introduction of 6m sliding doors and help define the spaces of the large open plan kitchen diner area. It also facilitated the introduction of roof lights into the ground floor space, thus helping to bring more natural light into the property and more direct sun for longer during the day. The roof was completely rebuilt and the large flat roof dormer replaced with 2 pitched roof dormers to greatly improve the aesthetic of the rear of the property. Large modern windows were introduced to maximise light and vista. The first floor was reconfigured from 2 large bedrooms that lacked character, to 3 bedrooms, a house bathroom and a master ensuite whilst also finding the space for the introduction of 2 voids for visual connection into the spaces below. Large rooflights, with a rhythm centred around the focal entrance void, flood the circulation spaces with light and introduce country views to the property where none existed before. Abodhi project managed the entire project from inception to completion, ensuring that all the design principles were translated from page to reality and that all workmanship was done to an exceptional standard.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The layout was dramatically changed and the building stripped back to a stone shell. Only the downstairs toilet survived the room redesign. Plumbing services were all routed to existing runs to minimise the cost associated with a total overhaul. Ancillary spaces were positioned to the front of the property, with a utility room providing a welcome addition to the family home. This strategy allows for maximum privacy with all the main living spaces being given a visual break from the front of the house and maximum interaction with the acre garden to the rear.

DESIGN FEATURES

Existing window openings were enlarged to the floor to maximise view and light, without the need for structural alterations. The curved wall of the base of the stairs creates a focal point at a key circulation cross roads of the design and makes for a bold feature of the oak and glass balustrade stairs. The same balustrade design is continued onto the landing to allow good visual connection into the entrance hall. Underfloor heating is installed throughout the ground floor to allow for maximum comfort and the need for radiators is omitted. Any historic wooden beams were restored and exposed and a wooden floor specified on ground to compliment the barn conversion feel. Externally, a reclaimed oak beam was installed over the new larger entrance opening to evoke the idea that it was once a barn with a large agricultural opening.

LANDSCAPING

The landscape of the property speaks for itself but an oversized decking area was specified to allow for an external space spilling straight from the dining/kitchen area to facilitate fantastic al-fresco living in the milder months. Decking was chosen as an economical solution that didn't compromise aesthetic as the internal wooden floor could continue seamlessly to the outside.

COMPLETION

The overall effect of the completed project is a very dramatic transformation from the poor quality and layout of the interior. The client is extremely pleased with how much has been achieved on such a tight budget. The client was especially pleased with the specification and size of the windows and rooflights and the natural lighting effects that this creates. The overall layout is now upgraded to that of a modern 21st century family home whilst still retaining some rustic charm of a converted agricultural building.