Pulpit House

Living area levels are connected and shaped by a new oak-slatted sinuous timber staircase. This sculptural intervention forms an inglenook bench with a ‘pulpit’ above, set within a double-height space and enjoying views to the garden.

The materials and craftsmanship echo the character of the existing building, the oak timber staircase, alcove and library all diffuse the border between inside and outside, delicately reflecting the light and hues of the garden.

The architecture is inspired by the sculptural ‘pulpit’ stair, celebrating the double-height space and views to the garden. The introduction of a playful slit in the landing balustrade enriches the magical journey through the space, and the spiralled oak balustrade sweeps elegantly with the turn of the stair to touch the ground.

A utility space is concealed beneath the stair. New sliding garden doors and roof lantern bring daylight and sunlight into the heart of the lower-ground family room. A library with garden reading seat is crafted into the upper ground reception room. The architecture brings a magical quality to the space highlighted by the play of sunlight and delightful sensuality of the natural wood.

The transformation takes advantage of the existing double-height void and windows to improve ventilation and allow more natural light. The project construction technique maximises efficiency without compromising quality. The design of the timber wall as a series of modularised curved ply timber cassettes with spaced oak battens enabled the desired sculptural form to be created and prefabricated off-site. Similarly, the library and seat are beautifully crafted in a workshop and installed as completed pieces for the highest quality finish.

Annual CO2 data was not provided