Grade II Listed Home Transformed with Contemporary Extension

Creating the Contemporary Design

Over the years, the house had been extended successively, creating a hotchpotch of additions to the rear and a warren of small rooms internally.

After a series of lengthy, but successful, planning negotiations, mindful of the listed nature of the dwelling and considerations of the conservation area, permission was granted to demolish the rear of the property – to the back wall of the original Georgian cottage – and add a contemporary pavilion extension.

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The contemporary glazed extension is paired with an exposed brick facade which combine the traditional and modern design perfectly

The couple both agree that the only hurdle in the project was getting the modern design over the line with the planners. “The major challenge was meeting the requirements of the very prescriptive conservation officer – but we, and Granit, wore them down over time,” says Jim. “And it did take some time to resolve it!”

Combining Old and New

Developed with the proportions of the existing cottage in mind, the new addition is a modern re-imagining of the property’s Georgian architecture, offset from the original house and connected with a wraparound glass link structure.

Learn More: Planning Applications: What Do Council Planners Want?

The bright and colourful stepped garden by BG Design Studio sits perfectly against the extension’s contemporary architecture

The cottage retains its original materials with new elements clearly distinguishable – brick sizes and bonds differ on the old rear elevation, with the join between the two clearly visible. The new pavilion is a mix of clean white render and locally-sourced sweet chestnut cladding.

Internally the well-proportioned rooms of the cottage remain as sitting rooms and guest bedrooms, but the new focus of the house is the extension. The ground floor features an open-plan kitchen and dining room, which looks out across the garden, and the living zone within the glass link offers views of Lewes Castle.

The first floor houses a generous master suite. This is accessed by a feature timber staircase, which bridges the void within the glass link to access the guest suites through an existing uncovered window opening.

Read More: Glazed Links: How to Get the Design Right

Granit took care of both the exterior and interioir design, finishing the project with a sleek grey-toned kitchen that looks out over the stepped garden

“Emily was our main contact at Granit who looked after us on a daily basis and came up with ideas alongside lead architect Robert. Georgia, the interior designer, was so helpful in enabling us to understand how the finished project would look,” says Deirdre.

“I love the light and the kitchen – it’s great. In the winter we use the snug and that is lovely, too. We use the old and the new in very different ways. It is a wonderful space to live in.”

Glass balustrades bring an airy feel the wraparound link while the sweet chestnut cladding and exposed brick walls balance the traditional and contemporary designs