Mailen Design has just received planning permission for an extensive renovation and extension project at Forge Cottage in Aston Tirrold, Oxfordshire. This milestone reflects our commitment to enhancing historical buildings with contemporary, sustainable designs. Nestled in the picturesque village of Aston Tirrold, known for its rural charm and rich history, Forge Cottage is set to be transformed into a truly stunning and characterful family home.
A HARMONIOUS BLEND OF OLD AND NEW
Our design vision aims to respect and enhance the existing architecture whilst introducing modern elements that improve functionality, aesthetics, and environmental performance. The project involves a carefully planned extension that is subservient to the main house, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the original structure. This extension will provide additional living space for the residents, including a new kitchen diner with expansive views of the garden, enhancing the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.
We are reconfiguring the layout of the ground floor to optimise the use of space and improve circulation. The old kitchen will be converted into a utility room and pantry, and the current dining room will become a secondary lounge. Additionally, a library area will be added at the back of the existing lounge, creating a cosy and inviting space for reading and relaxation. These changes will enhance the functionality and comfort of the home whilst preserving its historic charm.
Central to our approach is the seamless integration of the new structures with the existing building. By using materials that match the existing cottage, such as light bricks with a white lime slurry finish and clay roof tiles, we ensure that the new elements are sympathetic to the original design. This harmonious blend of old and new will enhance the property's overall appeal and ensure its longevity for future generations. By balancing contemporary needs with respect for the past, we aim to create a home that is both beautiful and functional, offering a high standard of living whilst preserving the charm and character of Forge Cottage.
CREATING INDOOR-OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS
One of the main objectives of the Forge Cottage renovation is to increase the connection between the cottage and its beautiful garden. Currently, the only access to the garden is through a single door in the kitchen, which limits the usability and enjoyment of the outdoor space. Our new design transforms this by incorporating extensive glazing and multiple access points, creating an immersive indoor-outdoor living experience. Large windows and sliding glass doors will flood the interior spaces with natural light and offer uninterrupted views of the garden. These features will allow residents to seamlessly move between the indoors and outdoors, making it easier to enjoy the garden throughout the year.
A new layout for the ground floor includes a spacious kitchen diner that opens directly onto an external seating area, perfect for hosting summer dinners or relaxing with a book whilst soaking up the sun. The garden itself will be redesigned to include inviting seating areas and pathways, encouraging residents to spend more time outdoors. By removing the large hedge that currently divides the garden, we will create a unified and cohesive outdoor area, making it more functional for a variety of activities, from gardening to social gatherings.
A FABRIC-FIRST APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is at the heart of our design. We are adopting a fabric-first approach to enhance the building's thermal performance and reduce the family’s energy consumption. This involves improving insulation in the walls, roof, and floors, and upgrading windows to reduce drafts and heat loss. Additionally, we are integrating renewable energy sources such as solar panels on the roofs of the house and the new double garage, and an air source heat pump. These measures will significantly reduce the cottage's carbon footprint and enhance its energy efficiency. Water collection systems will also be installed to harvest rainwater for garden use, further promoting sustainable living.
COMMUNITY AND HERITAGE CONSIDERATIONS
Given Forge Cottage’s location in a conservation area, our design pays careful attention to the local context and heritage. We are using materials that match the existing cottage, such as light bricks with a white lime slurry finish and clay roof tiles. This approach ensures the new structures blend seamlessly with the original building. Throughout the design process, we have prioritised minimising the impact on neighbouring properties. The new extension has been carefully positioned and designed to ensure it does not overshadow or reduce light to adjacent homes. Additionally, we are maintaining and enhancing the mature trees on the site to preserve the area’s natural beauty.
We are excited to begin the next phase of this project and bring our vision for Forge Cottage to life. This renovation and extension will not only enhance the property for its owners but also contribute positively to the village of Aston Tirrold. If you are interested in learning more about our approach to renovating and restoring historic homes, please reach out.