Cottage Revival: Grade II Listed Heritage Transformation
EX3 | Harmonising Modern Family Life with Historic Character near Exeter
A Delicate Challenge
A Grade II listed cottage near Exeter presented an intriguing puzzle: how to unlock the potential of its beautiful garden while addressing compromised historic integrity from 20th-century alterations. The property required thoughtful intervention to enhance both its heritage character and family functionality.
Understanding the Brief
The existing property faced several key challenges:
- Impractical and insecure entrance configuration.
- Essential facilities inappropriately housed in the garage.
- Compromised bathroom arrangements affecting privacy.
- Deteriorating mismatched 20th-century joinery.
- Limited connection to the impressive gardens.
- Poor northern aspect visible from Ebford Lane.
Crafted Solutions
Working alongside oak frame specialists, we developed a sensitive scheme that:
- Introduces a traditional porch with a draught lobby.
- Creates a meticulously detailed oak-framed garden room.
- Restores appropriate bathroom configurations.
- Enhances views through considered window placement.
- Employs traditional materials, including adobe/earth wall, natural oak, and local riven slate.
The Oak Frame Feature
The new garden room stands as a testament to traditional craftsmanship:
- Hand-crafted oak framework with exposed beams and joints.
- Traditional slate-pitched roof.
- Natural materials creating seamless integration.
- Enhanced visual connection to the grounds.
- Celebration of historic timber framing techniques.
Sustainable Heritage
As certified members of the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA), our approach incorporates:
- Sensitive retrofit improvements using the 'whole house approach'.
- Historic England-supported assessment methods.
- Period-appropriate windows and doors, improving energy efficiency.
- Careful restoration of original features.
Future Legacy
With planning and listed building consents secured, this project demonstrates:
- Successful transformation of challenging historic properties.
- Enhanced property value through sensitive intervention.
- Improved energy efficiency whilst preserving heritage character.
- Harmonious balance between modern living and historic fabric.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025, marking another milestone in our commitment to thoughtful heritage conservation.
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