Heritage

Woodhouse, Whichford

The woodland backdrop provided the inspiration for this replacement conservatory. Whilst only a small project the creativity and thought process that went into designing this extension was nonetheless as inventive as any of our other larger projects. Initially our client asked us to design a replacement conservatory that would utilise stone mullion windows to match those found on the existing dwelling, However upon drafting early designs based around this concept the structure appeared unnecessarily heavy disproportionately to its size and having tried a few tweaks it became clear this was not the way to go. Having successfully delivered other projects at this site this was when our client asked us to come up with a design free of any influence from them to see what our unrestricted imagination could come up with.

The adjoining woodland is what makes this one of the best properties we have ever had the privilege to work on and so the magnificent woods became our inspiration for a homage to this beautiful location.

Our clients didn’t require a bigger conservatory, merely a replacement for the existing which was past its best and at odds with the high quality of the main dwelling. We chose to retain and reuse the existing dwarf stone wall as its appearance was in keeping and would help the new conservatory to relate to the main house better. A natural finish oak frame with invisible frame glass inserts was proposed to sit on top of the existing dwarf stone wall, the gradual silvering colouration of the oak creates a natural relationship with the surrounding trees. Diagonal muntins (grilles) strategically positioned to appear as branches are adorned with leaded coloured glazing leaves and gives the conservatory a more organic feel, this effect is best observed from inside the conservatory and really helps draw in the woodland to the house.

Whilst only a small project this imaginative design and the craftsmanship of the builders has created a special space.

Badsey, Worcestershire

Our clients wanted to extend their existing home to create a larger kitchen, family space and dining area using a barely used sunroom and dark kitchen. The goal was to design changes to the property that allowed the house to grow and be individual, however not be overpowering, it had to match the existing property.

The Grade II listen property eventually gained planning at the end of 2020 and is currently under construction awaiting final completion.

Newbold on Stour

Our client’s Grade II listed home adjoined an independently Grade II listed stone barn in the village of Newbold on Stour, to the rear of their house was a historic unsympathetic flat roof L shaped extension that also backed onto the listed barn.

With the kitchen located in the existing extension our clients wanted to create a larger kitchen / family area from which to enjoy the garden whilst improving the architectural aesthetics to the rear of their home.

Rather than remove and rebuild the existing, ArchiWildish’s approach was to infill the L shape to create a squared extension that used the context of a flat roof to emphasise that this was a later modern addition to the traditional façade. Incorporating thin framed aluminium wrap around glazing between stone walling to match the existing the design combines the feel and materials of the original building whilst presenting something that is fresh and enhancing.

Park Farm, Warwickshire – Heritage

The barn at Preston on Stour was a grade 2 listed building that was still be used by the tenanted farmer but simply due to its age was in desperate need of major repair to avoid the risk of catastrophic failure.

A major concern was the ridge line timber which had failed and was causing the roof line to sag and exert lateral pressure on the outer brick walls. Fortunately listed building consent had been granted to repair the barn, however conditions on the consent required extensive details of the repair work and how it would be carried out.

Approaching the Conservation Offcer Archiwildish explained how adherence to the conditions would require the stripping
back of some of the barns existing historic fabric in order to expose areas and assess the extent of repair work required. We managed to negotiate an agreement that documenting works as the proceeded and obtaining a quick approval to enable work to carry on was the way forward, this allowed us to comply with the condition in full and with minimal disruption on site.

Working with a beautiful old building such as this is not only interesting, it is also a privilege to have the opportunity to help preserve our agricultural heritage and seeing the end result and knowing that it should survive for a few hundred more years is immensely satisfying, a job well done for all involved.