BRIEF

A reordering and extension of a former coach house within the historic town of Canterbury. The clients growing family required additional living and sleeping accommodation and the buildings previous conversion from a stable to a coach house was inadequate.

CHALLENGES

The site was within the World Heritage Site and an area of archaeological importance requiring scheduled ancient monument consent. Archaeological excavations by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust uncovered the remains of Victorian greenhouses and English Heritage requested the new extension adhere to the greenhouse footprint. Ensuring the building respected traditional proportions whilst respecting the varying ground levels was particularly challenging.

DESIGN SOLUTION

The staircase was relocated to minimise circulation at first floor level, thus maximising sleeping accommodation and providing a stronger connection with the proposed extension. A half hipped roof configuration with sympathetically designed dormers was employed to ensure the extension remained subservient to the existing building. 

*Project undertaken during employment at Purcell LLP