The Old & New

The brief was to maintain and conserve the existing structure and a new extension was added to house the spaces for kitchen/living and main bedroom. The house is enlivened by the large contrast between the old and new. The old being smaller intimate spaces ideal for reading or dining whilst the new is large, practical and contemporary. The primary materials used were wood, glass and white lacquer. These were selected to work with the expressive properties of the local stone. The walnut was used as flooring and dining top, it emits a warmth and solidity that encompasses the feeling of a home. The white lacquer was used for the built in kitchen cupboards and loose furniture. Upon entering the house you are in a covered arch leading to the internal courtyard, this tells the story of a typical farmhouse as a cluster of volumes. This progresses to the reading room and formal dining room which opens up to high ceilings into the new build extension, an open plan, housing the living/kitchen/dining which overlook the swimming pool. All the private areas, including the bedrooms and bathrooms were allocated to the first floor. The house is a series of spaces that are visually linked by small apertures enhancing continuity and creating cross ventilation. The cantilevered stairs is flooded with natural light from a skylight above and also provides a connection with the natural environment.