Cobham

This project located in Cobham, involved the extension and substantial alteration of a new build Neo Georgian house within a private estate. The existing house occupies an exceptional and desirable site. Working with the client we identified opportunities to enhance the building and realise its full potential.

Our proposal was to create modern ‘garden room’ pavilions on either side of the existing house which provide an improved connection with the landscape and fully utilise the potential of the site. The extension on the Northwest side of the original house relocated the kitchen to face across the garden with large sliding doors that can be fully opened in the summer, putting the heart of the house in what was previously an unused corner of the garden. An outdoor fireplace and kitchen are also integrated to encourage use of the outdoor spaces taking advantage of the South facing position.

On the other side, a glazed gallery, used to display artwork provides a link to a second, more secluded extension which houses a gym, study, meeting room and entertaining space with views back to the house across the garden and outdoor pool. This serves to define the back from the front as previously the garden was open to the driveway, while creating a journey through the garden from the main house to the work and entertainment area of the house.

It was considered essential to ensure minimal interruption of this view from the corridor and a design was developed that involved a 15 metre long beam supported on a single, 100mm steel column with large minimal sliding glazing facing the garden. The other side offered glimpses through a series of thick solid brick walls which creates enclosure and separation from the driveway but also walls facing the garden on which art can be displayed.

In conjunction with this, the existing house was altered and refurbished to create a dramatic central staircase over 3 floors. Large expanses of sliding glazing were added beyond the hallway to improve the garden connection, and light wide plank ash flooring was laid throughout with underfloor heating to create a light, airy and consistent aesthetic throughout.

From conception, considerable attention was given to the relationship with the landscape and the existing outdoor swimming pool was relocated to allow better integration and usability of the outdoor spaces in conjunction with the house. These considerations mean that in summer the outdoor becomes a series of additional rooms for the house, which are as valuable as the house itself.

The project was undertaken in two phases with the kitchen and alterations to the main house carried out first. Care was taken to ensure the same brick, glazing system, flooring, lighting and audio-visual control systems were used in the second phase which was carried out several years later to ensure a seamless integration and visual consistency was achieved. Although these additions are essentially extensions, we gave considerable attention to how these relate to the site, the building and how these form part of the whole.

These two substantial extensions, almost double the total area of the house. The alterations maximise the site’s potential, creating layers of drama and interest while elevating the experience of living in the house.

We were responsible for the design co-ordination of a number of sub-contracting specialists – both our own and some brought in by the client. These included the audio-visual suppliers, a golf simulator specialist, lighting designers, specialist gym equipment suppliers and landscapers as well as project team comprising of the quantity Surveyor, structural engineer and main contractor.