Mayfield

This project is based within a private estate to the north east of Mayfield. The client had just purchased an existing house and required extensive alterations and extensions to it.

​

Due to the nature of the estate, pre-planning was required; during the meeting, the planners stated quite clearly that the size and massing of the extensions would be limited. Armed with this information, the team came to the decision to demolish the existing cottage whilst designing a new dwelling with the required floor plan with a minimal massing impact.

​

​A series of concept sketches led to the final design, a cluster of three small to medium barn-like buildings. The new building is partially sunk into the site's slope, and the sunken element is where the extra area is created an unseen connecting element, helping to reduce the overall mass.

​

The main building houses the lounge and two bedrooms on the ground and first floor; the smaller rear building houses the guest bedroom on the ground floor and the master bedroom in the basement, which overlooks the sunken garden.

​

The basement is divided into a large open-plan kitchen/ dining area for entertaining clients and friends, which can be opened at both ends to sunken gardens. An indoor swimming pool/gym and sauna runs along the eastern side of the floor plan.

​

The property's simple lines are designed to complement its surroundings visually, and its layout also protects it from extreme weather conditions. Large windows and sliding doors connect the house's rooms with the sunken gardens, providing natural cross ventilation and natural light to the property.