A garden extension to an existing cottage within the conservation area of Brockweir, in the Lower Wye Valley; providing a relaxing space connected to the garden, with an outstanding framed view of the village below.

 

Crabbs Well is an existing cottage built on the brow of a hill and overlooking the village below. The cottage sits between split levels, allowing access at first floor to an upper external terrace. This potential access forms the concept of the extension.

 

The brief is to provide a ‘summer house’ connected to the main house. This will provide a reading/relaxing space connecting the garden at the upper level. Due to the uneven existing roofline of the main cottage, the mass of the proposal is marginally separated from the existing for ease of construction. Similarly, the new volume is twisted to face the view over the village, in turn creating a courtyard feel to the lower level and allowing better access and flow to the garden.

 

The connection of the new and old is made by a flat, sedum roof with a large rooflight, and vertical slot glazing to the elevation, making this connection as gentle, and as light as possible.

 

 

Location:   Brockweir, Gloucestershire

Status:     Feasibility