The Paddocks

Located along a high street in the heart of the New Forest, The Paddocks is a recently completed £250,000 extension to and refurbishment of an existing 1970s dwelling. The proposal followed a detailed brief by the young professional clients, who were drawn to the idea of living in a contemporary and energy efficient home, whilst retaining the existing property's sense of openness and light. They wished for the use of natural and breathable materials, drawing upon simplicity, quality and attention to detail.

The extension takes the form of a bold contemporary box insertion accommodating additional bedrooms, a playroom, the kitchen and family bathroom. Outside, Western Red Cedar is used to clad the existing structure, helping the house to blend in comfortably to its wooded environment. The timber flooring inside extends outside to form an ipe deck and glazed sliding screens create a seamless transition between inside and out.

Throughout the interior, crisp white walls are washed with light. Natural light is drawn in through a centralised roof-light above an oak-lined staircase, and again through a floor-light, illuminating the central space on ground floor. Where there was once an absence of light, the house has been transformed.

The resulting outcome is a harmonious balance between old and new - inside and out. It is a house that effortlessly blends into nature and without significantly altering it. This new and refurbished home is warm, bright and welcoming and gives the feeling of nature and home being one.