........ .. .. . . . . . . . .. . . .. .... .. . . ... . . . ... .. . . . . ... . . . .. . .. .. . . .... . . . . .. .. . .. .. ... . . . .
.. . ... ....... . . . .. ............. ............... .. . .. .. .. . . .. . . . . ... . . ... . . .. . . . .. . . .. .. . . . .
The aim of this project was to improve the accommodation for a growing family, expanding and conserving a 1926 semi-detached cottage in the coastal resort of Westbrook. The single-storey extension provided a larger reception and kitchen area, a guest bedroom/study, improved laundry, wc and storage facilities, and generous and level front-door access. Removing the original rear wall connected the internal spaces more closely with the beautiful back garden.We also wanted to improve the perception of the quality of the construction materials of the whole house by removing less good work, emphasizing original 1926 elements using high-quality complementary new materials. The new garden-facing elevation presents itself as a 'growing wall' of timber slats, designed to encourage plant growth up it, in a development of our earlier work at 'Autograph House'
The studio was involved in the project up to planning permission only, unlocking the building's spatial potential which the client then interior-designed and dressed. Thumbnails of the project's feature in Ideal Home are shown below, capturing a bold use of colour and a very happy client.
1926 House
Westbrook, Margate
2015-16
Ideal Home, February 2018 Edition. Rebecca Brough, client: 'My style includes a bit of everything!' Page 22-33. ISBN 9770019136328
Aerial view looking east, showing the project's proximity with the sandy Westbrook coast and the glorious UK-version of Prarie-style detached 1920/30s homes, so tied up with a new understanding and representation of the nuclear family.