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Extension under construction in Dorset open countryside

Transformative Architecture

Coppet Hill, West Dorset

Coppet house is nestled into the hill looking north across rolling fields of the Marshwood Vale.

 

The original bungalow is slightly unusual in its shallow monopitch roofs and split level, long rectangular plan aligned with the topography of the site, all which help it feel very much a part of the hillside. We wanted to take these characteristics forward in the new design and really celebrate the northern views while updating the house overall to serve the clients into their retirement.

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The monopitch forms of this house have been retained, and celebrated with a new central window seat that pops up above the roofline and offers an unusual portrait view of the fields.

 

Opening up the ceilings to be vaulted and removing internal dividing walls are transforming this little house into something all together more exciting. A new metal roof transforms this into a house of its time and larger windows throughout take in the landscape views and improve the relationship of the house to its setting all around. 

Adding additional indoor space and reconfiguring the existing space was the starting point for our clients but they also wanted to upgrade the appearance and performance of the house, making sustainable choices where possible.

 

The new walls are timber frame, infilled with innovative UK-produced hemp fibre insulation and overboarded with woodfibre insulation and then cork plaster and render. This breathable wall buildup uses natural non-toxic materials, and is highly insulative, so will improve indoor air quality and thermal comfort in these areas making this a much more eco friendly building material choice. 

This coupled with the air source heat pump, solar PVs and underfloor heating will make this an extremely energy efficeint building to run. 

Spaces are taking shape and delight can already be felt in some of the key architectural features of the design such as the tall window looking north towards the landscape as you come down the steps from the higher level.

Despite the wet and wild weather, great progress is being made on this new home and with dedication from the client and contractor it shouldnt be long before finishes can start to be applied.

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