Ragstones

Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes, reframing a space is what’s needed. By considering how the space is used, accentuating its best bits and finding opportunities to build on existing aspects will lead to a better design in terms of flow and function.

This was the case for this 1960’s detached house in Cobham Kent. When we first visited the home, the living spaces were focused to the front of the house overlooking the drive and lacked any meaningful connection to the garden. An unused annexe room was a junk storage space and the resident artist was working in a hot and stuffy conservatory. By simply “flipping” the house we were able to reconnect the living spaces with the wraparound garden as well as moving the less used spaces to a better position. Whilst we rebuilt the annexe extension in a different form with a monopitched roof and bronze zinc cladding, we were able to reuse the existing foundations and build within the overall footprint.

The client also wanted to reinstate the mid-century feel of the house. Therefore, we took the era’s love for open plan spaces, natural light and geometrics lines and included these into the scheme. There is now a new kitchen/dining room where light floods in from the floor to ceiling picture window and sliding doors, the oriel window and also the clerestory windows. Whilst the ground floor has been levelled there are differences in the ceiling heights, with a coffer ceiling which adds geometric interest. The interiors of the property have been carefully selected by the team who have taken inspiration from the 1960’s with a terrazzo floor, Crittall internal doors and timber panelling in the dining space.

The house is now complete and transformed into a space which works for the family, making the most of its best features and enhancing the 1960’s feel without increasing in size. A stunning transformation from start to finish!