The Hayloft

The key thing about this project is that there is not a huge amount of additional footprint but in terms of efficiency, we have created a lot more usable space. In total, only 7 square metres of new floor area has been added to the home - created by infilling the old entrance porch and replacing the dilapidated conservatory with a full-width extension. However, by reducing the size of the garage and removing the lobby and storage areas in the middle of the home, an additional 27 square metres of previously wasted space has been freed up to allow for more living accommodation. The front elevation rationalises the elements at ground floor - allowing for the garage door, covered porch and front door in one expressed opening. This brought clarity to a previously confusing entranceway tucked down the side and away from the street. The new zinc in-fills also highlighted the past hayloft opening at first floor level. At the rear, a new crisp contemporary extension ties in with the existing parapet levels of the house and helps provide a generous dining space, with high ceilings. We were inspired by the original industrial building and how the key structural elements were exposed. The timber roof joists in the new dining room are expressed internally, providing a vaulted roof space with character and warmth to it. Also, any additional steelwork was exposed and painted to celebrate the new structure. On the side elevation (west) the poorly constructed brick in-fill is replaced with zinc to express the original arched structure and provide an insulated wall. The windows are rationalised and made consistent. These moves have transformed the building and helped give people a greater understanding of the original purpose and form of the old Hayloft.