ABG Architects were commissioned to reimagine and extend a deteriorating rural cottage, creating a contemporary family home that respects the character of the original building while significantly improving its performance, appearance, and functionality.

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The existing cottage, constructed in traditional red brick and suffering from years of gradual decline, is proposed to undergo a comprehensive refurbishment and fabric upgrade. As part of the transformation, the original building will be thermally improved and finished in a clean white render, providing a fresh and cohesive architectural identity that contrasts elegantly with the new contemporary additions.

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The design introduces two carefully composed extensions that clearly distinguish old from new. A striking black timber-clad volume forms a substantial two-storey addition, providing generous new living accommodation while maintaining a simple agricultural-inspired form that responds to the rural setting. The dark vertical timber cladding and standing seam metal roof create a contemporary yet restrained aesthetic, referencing local barn architecture.

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Connecting the old and new elements is a lightweight glazed extension that creates a transparent transition between the cottage and the timber-clad wing. This fully glazed space maximises views across the surrounding landscape, floods the interior with natural light, and establishes a strong visual connection between the home and its gardens.

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The proposal balances heritage and modernity through a clear architectural hierarchy: the original cottage is retained and renewed, while the contemporary extensions are expressed as distinct additions. The result is a cohesive family home that preserves the site's rural character while delivering high-quality contemporary living spaces, improved energy performance, and a renewed architectural presence within the landscape.