This project was one of the first completed by the practice, and was a careful and collaborative process supported by a highly engaged client and proactive contractor.
The new levels were particularly difficult to create within the constraints of the existing building and topography (painstakingly digging out bedrock, hillside run-off, underpinning in some areas and a new internal retaining wall) and factoring in sufficient waterproofing and insulation to make it viable.
To the rear, two large new windows were formed looking towards a stunning hillside view, doubling up as necessary seating on the sunken living level - the incredible thickness of the stone walls, lined out to provide airtightness and thermal efficiency, was put to use in multiple locations (including the showers) as different types of inbuilt seating, making the most of the small available footprint. A ‘punched’ pencil line detail was devised to differentiate the original and new openings, offering a legibility to the facades.
The units are now also powered by an elevated hillside wind turbine and bio-mass boiler in line with the agri-environment credentials and aspirations of the farm.
