Challenging briefs often result in unexpected solutions. In this case we were approached to convert a 1960's detached house into an enlarged 21st century building. Contemporary new dwellings in historic towns are fairly infrequent, especially within our highly controlled planning and conservation culture. 5 Upper Brook Hill is one of those projects that doesn't come by very often.

The site uniquely, is on a hillside peninsula and shares only one boundary with another property. Views in and out of the town needed to be carefully considered.

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Technically, starting with a 1960's reconstituted stone wall at ground floor level, insulating it and then extending upward, seamlessly, was an interesting challenge. The most efficient way to insulate an existing building is from the outside, by wrapping it in insulation, then cladding it, in this case with render. The curved roof is clad with standing seam zinc, and the flat roofs are waterproofed with GRP (Glass reinforced plastic). Zinc coated external gutters and rainwater pipes complete the enclosure, all chosen to have a long life and negligible maintenance.

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A large deck was designed at lower ground floor level to provide outdoor living space above land that was otherwise unusable. Upstairs, a small roof terrace breaks out from the upper living areas, with views to the front and rear.

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Essentially, the building appears as if the whole house was designed as one, and not a bungalow with an added floor above.

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See LinkedIn article here (opens in a new window)

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5 Upper

Brook

Hill