Pen Y Craig Farm

Every transformative renovation begins by identifying the fundamental pain points of a property. At Pen Y Craig Farm, the original layout was defined by two significant architectural failures. A poorly positioned staircase didn’t just disrupt the flow; it was a literal hazard, forcing the client to duck their head just to reach the living room. Furthermore, the heart of the home was misplaced; the kitchen sat at the rear, staring into a cold retaining wall while the property’s most stunning natural views remained entirely untapped.

Reimagining the Vertical Flow
The solution for Pen Y Craig Farm required a bold, two-storey extension designed to prioritize light and perspective. We replaced the original, obstructive staircase with a striking glazed link. This architectural bridge does more than just connect the old with the new; it creates a vertical gallery of glass that bathes the interior in natural light and acts as a seamless transition between the original farmhouse structure and the modern addition.

Design Without Compromise
The extension was conceived to unlock the site’s true potential. On the ground floor, we created an expansive, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living zone tailored for modern life. Above, we established a private master sanctuary complete with a dressing room and ensuite. By shifting the primary living spaces into this new wing, both levels now take full advantage of the breathtaking panoramic views that were previously hidden from the home’s interior.

Precision in Practice
While the vision was clear, the execution required navigating both regulatory and technical hurdles. Though the planning officer initially expressed reservations about the scale of the proposal, a site visit proved the design’s sensitivity to its surroundings, turning skepticism into high praise for how the extension complemented the terrain.

The build itself was an exercise in absolute precision. The client opted for SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) construction to ensure maximum thermal efficiency. Integrating this high-performance system with an existing traditional building leaves zero margin for error, demanding the kind of meticulous architectural oversight that Ke-design prides itself on. The result is a high-performance, contemporary home that turns a once-awkward layout into a masterclass in modern living.

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