Windbury Cottage

Windbury Cottage is a sustainably designed extension to a rural home located within a Conservation Area and the protected landscape of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This low-impact intervention enhances the home’s performance and biodiversity while remaining sensitive to its natural and historic setting.

The project blends sustainable materials with ecological design principles—creating a home extension that is both high-performing and visually harmonious with the surrounding landscape. Thoughtful siting, privacy features, and passive shading strategies all contribute to improved comfort and long-term efficiency.

Services Provided:

• Feasibility & Concept Design (RIBA 0): Developing a respectful and sensitive vision with garden integration in collaboration with the client.
• Planning & Design Development (RIBA 1–2): Securing approvals through sensitive integration of new design elements with heritage.
• Technical Design & Detailing (RIBA 3): Coordinating material selection and architectural detailing, particularly for the wildflower and sedum roof.
• Construction & Project Management (RIBA 4): On-site oversight to ensure timely delivery, cost control, and design integrity. Sustainable Cottage Extension Design in Conservation Areas & AONB.

Key Features:

• Natural Timber Cladding – Sustainably sourced horizontal timber boards provide a warm, contextual finish with low embodied carbon.
• Green Roof with Wildflowers & Sedum – Enhances insulation, supports biodiversity, manages rainwater, and contributes to a softer visual profile.
• Garden-Level Siting – Partially embedded into the landscape to reduce visibility and reinforce outdoor connection.
• Discreet Glazing & Roof Overhang – Minimises light spill and visual prominence while offering effective solar shading and summer comfort.
• Ecological Integration – Designed to support native species and contribute positively to the local ecosystem.