School house

School House is a finely detailed extension to a historic cottage situated within both a Conservation Area and the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Designed to be low-impact and contextually sensitive, the extension employs natural materials and passive design strategies to elevate the home’s functionality while preserving its rural character.

Our Services:

• Feasibility & Concept Design (RIBA 0): Developing a respectful and sensitive vision with garden integration and sensitive planning constraints.
• Planning & Design Development (RIBA 1–2): Securing approvals through sensitive integration of new design elements with heritage and planning constraints.
• Technical Design & Detailing (RIBA 3): Coordinating material selection and architectural detailing.
• Construction & Project Management (RIBA 4): On-site oversight to ensure timely delivery, cost control, and design integrity.

Key Features:

• Natural Timber Cladding: Sustainably sourced timber boards define the exterior, blending the extension into its natural garden setting.
• Timber Louvres for Solar Shading: Functional and elegant, these elements provide passive cooling in summer while enhancing privacy and comfort.
• Garden-Level Siting: The extension is partially embedded into the garden, reducing its visual impact and reinforcing the connection between house and landscape.
• Daylight-Driven Interior Design: Strategically positioned light wells and internal balconies introduce vertical drama and draw daylight deep into the plan.
• Sustainable Passive Principles: The design promotes energy efficiency through orientation, shading, and natural ventilation—minimising the need for mechanical systems.