Sitting Pink

The ground floor comprised of a deep corridor room formed from disconnected bolt-on historic additions, feeling awkward and uncomfortable. New openings and a rebuilt side addition provided a radically improved arrangement. Punctuated with bright and bold colours, the new, larger kitchen formed of three separate elements pivots around the central seated courtyard. Generosity of space is achieved with connections and glimpses through and beyond the courtyard, from the front reception rooms to the garden beyond, albeit within a smaller footprint. Once a dark and inflexible home, it is now a series of separate, practical, and enjoyable spaces, connected via the light-filled courtyard, either through a direct connection or viewed from afar. The key aspect of the scheme was reuse, utilising as much of the existing fabric as possible without compromising the desire to entirely transform the space. To limit structural intervention from a cost and sustainability perspective, our approach was to take the bones of the original foundations and use a new thermally efficient timber structure to form a functional, bright open space while maintaining clearly defined ‘rooms.’ We believe adding volume is not always integral to the success of a scheme. Each element was designed to fulfil its purpose, working efficiently together without feeling compromised. Despite reducing the original footprint, the result was a vastly more efficient and enjoyable space. A soft colour palette was key to achieving this. Pastel hues create a calm flow to the adjoining spaces, with natural light flooding through from the central courtyard. All elements seamlessly work together to elevate mood and promote wellbeing.