Mill Lodge, Wales

The brief was to expand the living space, enhance views over the gardens, increase natural light, and upgrade to modern standards. The interior was to be sharp and modern yet sympathetic to the building’s origins, with durable materials for its use as a holiday let. External finishes needed to suit the historic setting and marine environment. Existing thermal elements were upgraded, and new ones exceeded Building Regulations. An ASHP with underfloor heating replaced the oil-fired boiler. Middle Mill’s buildings are vernacular in style, solidly proportioned, and simply detailed. The design aimed to positively impact the nearby listed buildings and setting. The approach was a ‘complementary addition,’ respecting the heritage assets by echoing their massing, form, and materials while using contemporary, robust details. Despite adding only 12.5m², the open-plan layout creates spacious interiors filled with daylight. The mono-pitch roof responds to the rhythm of adjacent buildings, allowing the extension to be a distinct yet harmonious intervention. Clerestory windows bring light deep into the plan.