Project Focus | Llansawel | Cottage Renovation and Extension

Back in 2021 I was approached to take on the Planning Application and Building Notice for a renovation and an extension to Llwyncelyn in Llansawel. The existing property was in need of a full renovation and a proposed new side extension was required to suit the needs of the family.

The client had a clear idea of what she wanted with a layout sketched out on graph paper ready to go. After completing a site survey this was translated into a 3D Revit model creating a full visualisation of the design the family were about to embark on building themselves.

Existing drawings from the survey

The Site

The site offers wonderful views across the valley and accordingly the brief was to create an interior from which these could be enjoyed. Connecting the existing single storey cottage to the new side extension on the sloping site was thought through carefully and an architectural relationship between the two halves and the view was formed.

Existing site and views

From the road it was important for the extension not to over shadow the existing cottage. This was achieved with a few simple tricks; firstly the 'pattern' in the front elevation of the cottage was replicated, as if it was always continuous, but then subtly the new ridge was designed to just tuck under the existing and by introducing a slight step back to the new front wall this left the existing cottage to be the prominent feature. 

Proposed perspective view from the road

The Plans

The plan was designed to create a welcoming environment with plenty of family space but still with areas available for quiet thought and study. The existing ground floor of the cottage has become a generous entrance hall with small cosy living spaces accessed from it. The original, stepped down, kitchen area has become a cloakroom, housing a toilet and sink, with the existing bathroom creating a separate spa like room with space for a large bath and walk in shower. 

If you haven't read 'The Importance of a Well-Designed Floor Plan' you can find it here: https://cmarchitectural15.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-importance-of-well-designed-floor.html 

Proposed ground floor plan

The advantage of the 3D modelling was clearest in allowing the client to see her layout in a new dimension and from there a level change down to the new extension was proposed and agreed. This allowed for a more generous ceiling height as you go through into the new, creating a bright, light filled space.

The architectural relationship this creates between the 'new and old' is important here as well. The separation allows for a different material pallet and an aesthetic that suits the new while allowing a clear distinction from the original cottage.

Proposed first floor plan

There was no first floor to the original cottage so a loft conversion was part of the brief. 

One of the reasons is that this would allow the self build project to have two phases to it. When the original cottage was renovated, with new bedroom space created, then time in the static caravan was significantly reduced.

The starting point of the new fist floor plan was "a master suite overlooking the view". By having a vaulted ceiling this has created a personal and unique space. The rest of the floor space was worked around this central idea with a forth bedroom added to the front for a truly remarkable renovation and extension providing plenty of flexibility for the family in the future.

Proposed perspective view from the garden

Proposed perspective view from the patio

The Details

As important as the views and connection to the wider landscape are so is an area of private outdoor space. A small and sheltered patio has been created tucked to the rear of the property.

To make the front elevation and requirement for a forth bedroom possible the front first floor wall has been pulled back creating an almost full height space. This is ideal for hiding some big screen and projector technology, leaving the side wall free to have a wood burner as a more traditional focal point in the main room.

The advantage of producing a 3D Revit model is that it allows for exploring options with materials and configuration before work begins on site. It provides a clear visualisation for a self builder whether they are experienced or not. 

An option of a different interior layout and an enclosed exterior patio were explored here along with different external material choices defining the old cottage and new extension.

This continues as a self build and has been a wonderful project to be a part of.