Upper Maxted

Its materiality reflects the colours of the existing brick and tiles with further inspiration drawn from the iron ore deposits in the very ground the existing house and land sits on. Principal Partner, Guy Hollaway, worked closely throughout with the clients who had well formulated ideas of how they wanted the extension to look in terms of clarity and boldness while retaining the historical integrity of the original site. The intricate extension is almost invisible from the front of the original house, with only small glimpses of Corten roof line suggesting that a contemporary element exists hidden behind. Typical of its age, the existing farmhouse has traditional low ceilings and consequently darker rooms. The design has created a contrasting space with high ceilings and flooded with light. Sculpted roof overhangs protect the large picture windows from the sun, each set at a different direction to frame a unique view, creating an undulating form to the building. The extension acts as a surprisingly complimentary addition to the more traditional home while the design represents a very different architectural aesthetic in this idyllic pastoral setting. The Corten constructing the façades of the extension perfectly match the existing house brick and tiles. Corten has been inspired by the natural iron ore deposits found in the meadow grassed field right beside the house. Iron ore stone has been used at the foot of the Corten walls bordering the extension and meadow grass which grows all the way up to the concrete path around the extension therefore unifying the building and the landscape.