Gables

Photography Credit: Hufton + Crow

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

 

Residential


For this new home, the form of an existing barn is extended in kind to create a sensitive modern addition to a rural plot.

 

The site presented many challenges – situated within a conservation area, straddling both the village framework and the green belt, and with a historic but tumbledown thatched barn to be retained. Our solution was to create a home of part rebuilt thatch barn and part contemporary structure. This new structure with four gabled roofs steps down in scale towards the entrance and the zinc roof folds away to reveal the rebuilt thatched barn. Adopting a thoroughly modern approach, the larger part of the new house is set back to retain existing views from the village road and kept deliberately low to accommodate the immediate neighbours' views. The new dwelling is set into the ground, ensuring the neighbouring historic house remains prominent and the original barn remains the focal point.

 

Our strategy for the external materials takes inspiration from the local area – black cladding, red brick and semi-knapped flint. The black zinc of the folded roof nods to agricultural metal cladding; it was selected to age and weather naturally with the other materials.

 

Internally, the character of the thatched barn is emphasised by embracing its full height to the rafters, offering modest guest rooms wrapped in painted timber boarding. A separate master suite spreads into the contemporary extension. The interior finishes are a palette of concrete, brick, plaster and timber. Solid silver fir timber boarding features prominently on the walls and ceilings, providing a warm honey coloured finish to contrast the external black zinc.

 

Gables received a Craftmanship Award Commendation in the Greater Cambridge Design and Construction Awards 2022. The judges commented: “The building was incredibly well finished with crisp detailing – both internally and externally - which is remarkable given the numerous complicated junctions, different angles, materials and interfaces. A very beautifully put together building.”

 

"Our architects showed just the right combination of imagination and persistence, leading to an individual home that meets all our requirements and fits beautifully into its surroundings, throughout the project, we benefitted from their attention to detail and their real interest in how we intended to live in our new home. One year on, and we are both extremely house proud.” - Client

PROJECT INFORMATION

Status: Built

Location: Bartlow, Cambridgeshire

Completed: 2021


TEAM CREDITS

 

Architect: CDC Studio


Structural Engineer: MHA Design

Service Engineer: Hoare Lea

Cost Consultant: Henry Riley

Building Control: 3C Shared Services

Main Contractor: PB Doyle

LISTED BY

Name of the Firm: CDC Studio


Last Updated on: 21/03/2024