Studio B.a.d where appointed in September 2019 to undertake a detailed feasibility study of Holly Cottage a listed house which sits in Meonstoke High street in the heart of the South Downs national park

 

The feasibility study was commissioned to review how the existing house is used by the family and how it might accommodate, the extended family members and how it responds to the garden and immediate landscape. The feasibility study is a strategic exercise in reviewing the key requirement’s of the family and the wider opportunities, to exploit the potential of the site and beautiful garden.  Its also an opportunity to create greater flexibility within the the plan layout and its relationship to the garden and maximizing long views looking East down the mature garden, lined with flint walls.

 

 

The design strategy has been to review and respond to  the existing conditions, which currently exist within both the house and the landscape. The challenge has been to look at a number of design ideas, which have been presented to the conservation officer, in detailed dialogue to establish a positive process.

 

Studio B.a.d along with our Heritage and planning consultant experts, entered into a series of pre application discussions, working through a number of sketch proposals, reaching successful common ground with the South Downs national park.

 

A series of options where carefully created, considered and presented, to look at the type of form, material and detailed composition of the various extensions.  The response has been to the existing situation of the sensitive nature of the local vernacular. These options seek to address the excellent position the house holds, with regards to solar orientation. So the options have sought to maximize both the wonderful long views across the site whilst looking to harness the opportunities for a new stand alone annex and study / office space..

 

As well as the elevational treatments, being carefully considered, with the use of local brick and stained timber. There has been an element of exploiting and opening up the current floor plan condition around the kitchen, to open up views to the flint lined garden.

 

The final  proposal submitted for planning has sought  at all levels, to engage with the garden, by looking to open up possibilities for the various spaces to exploit the mature surrounding landscape and its relationship to the house and new extension, annex, garage and home office / study.