Fixed rooflight to create light and space in a cottage extension

These bespoke Flushglaze fixed rooflights, with no visible internal framework, and a completely flush external finish, maximise the natural light falling in the entrance as well as into the adjacent areas of this traditional stone cottage.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Situated in a stunning location within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wiltshire, offering spectacular views and country charm, yet the interior space was compromised by tight, dark spaces and was in need of extensive renovation. The clients, keen to realise the cottage’s full potential, and to create a more flexible living space for their family, tasked Bath-based CaSa Architects to design a contemporary, light-filled extension.

PROJECT CHALLENGES

Critical to the design, however, was the need to sensitively combine the old and the new, to respect the original cottage and the surrounding landscape, whilst using the highest quality materials to maximise energy efficiency and give the house a modern outlook.

PROJECT SOLUTION

CaSa Architects, working closely with the clients, were successful in getting the planning consent for a substantial gable-ended, modern extension, the scale of which exceeded normal planning allowances. Linking the 2 gabled structures is an innovative glazed “spine” which contains the entrance, hallway and staircase. This narrow “spine” is pivotal in defining the different areas within the property, the old, cosy cottage, and internal glazed winter courtyard as a place for the family to retreat on a cold day, and the new, open-plan modern extension whose large windows offer fabulous views over the landscape and which lends itself to entertaining.

It was essential that the connecting “spine” which houses the entrance area and staircase was airy and impactful. The double height of the space is impressive and CaSa Architects have incorporated a large skylight fitted with Glazing vision’s precision engineered Flushglaze rooflight. “The very clever design allows us to always find just the right place to enjoy the wonderful views and sunlight, whatever the weather” enthused the clients.