Lower Lodge

The Planning justification demonstrated that the proximity of the Lodge to the road, within a steep landscape, created a substantial blind spot to the rear. The resultant views of the extension are narrow glimpses, always subsidiary to the main building; the garden views from the rear are largely private. It was also reasoned that an architectural folly demanded an architectural response; while respectful to the listed building, the extension provides a robust interpretation to breathe new life into the dwelling. Utilising a 1960s extension as a hinge point and entrance, the brickwork has been peeled back to expose the original curved stairwell. A single-storey kitchen steps away from the main building and reorientates the house towards the garden and views over the Weald, the complicated geometry generated by the forms off which it springs. The main two-storey accommodation block mirrors the footprint of the lodge and is positioned some distance away to provide a contemporary counterpoint and distinctive roof form responding to a building designed to be seen from all angles. A hybrid of SIPS and traditional construction in contrasting brick with a zinc roof, stone string course, and green tiled plinth, these all take cues from the heritage building. This was an extremely personal project on an eccentric house familiar to both Architect and Client for all our lives; it provided an affordable opportunity for the family to remain within the community in which they had grown up. With a challenging budget, the only realistic option was to self-build with the help of a close friend (& builder) to coordinate the construction process.