Clarendon Lodge

Extensions are not permitted to the main house, and concerns were initially raised that any new accommodation, at the scale required to address the client’s needs, would dwarf the existing 18th century buildings. Additionally the site contains nationally listed buildings and a number of Tree Preservation Orders.

The historic garden area, defined by a historic brickwork wall of varying heights, did however present a good opportunity for a larger scale separate development. Our solution was a single-storey structure concealed behind the wall which then created an open courtyard within. A green roof was used to replace the green lost within the walled garden making the new building effectively invisible from the green. This addressed the planners concerns for a building in a historic environment but still much was needed to win over the case for such a large building on the Green Belt.

A considered use of architectural forms was adopted along with careful detailing and use of materials including natural timber and reclaimed brickwork. This was offset with a small amount of and steelwork and glass to provide a building which although contemporary in appearance, blended seamlessly with the existing historic fabric.  The curved projecting bays found on the existing main house were reflected in the semi-circular bay for the central lounge/ dining room, along with the curved entrance which is the only element to signal the presence of the new building from outside of the existing historic wall. This approach served to promote the viability of the scheme within this sensitive environment resulting in the necessary planning and listed building consents for a building to fully address our client’s needs.