BEECH HILL
An 18th century listed lodge. Once forgotten. Brought back to life. Implementing only essential interventions. Sensitive restoration alongside contemporary additions.
Located on Beech Hill within the curtilage of Hadley Wood Golf Club, the original listed building was conceived as an entrance lodge to the historic estate. A contested planning history had seen this important asset abandoned following years of use by greenkeepers. A completely fresh approach was required which made clear the distinction between old and new. The extension footprint form is simple and sculpted to compliment the original.
A high quality elegant brick palette has been chosen for this scheme. The brick responds positively to the existing lodge, complimenting the reinstated render in tone with a slight textural variety. The mortar has been specified to closely match the colour of the brick tones, and is flush pointed with a brush finish to enhance the crisp contemporary reinterpretation. A range of brick detailing is used across the contemporary extension in the form of soldier course banding across the vertical ‘top-piece’ to the extension. This contrast expresses the vertical element of the façade and offers a positive relationship with that of the lodge cornice detailing. Aluminium or Timber composite windows will have a finish which is complementary to the light brickwork palette.
The central axis between existing and proposed defines the landscaping strategy. Meaningful connections between the key living spaces of the home to nature was a guiding principle. This direct connection to greenery promotes wellbeing and enhances the everyday. Protecting the mature trees on the site provides natural shading whilst green roofs to the new blocks promote biodiversity and improve water attenuation.
(01) EXISTING GATE HOUSE
(02) CONTEMPORARY ADDITIONS
(03) GLASS CONNECTIONS
(04) GARDEN
FAÇADE – The concept revolves around an elegant and simple rationale, with slender and evenly spaced verticals supporting a strong horizontal band. The dominance of the horizontal band sets the proportions with a ‘lightweight’ feeling, as it seemingly floats across the vertical piers. The vertical piers are then chamfered, offering two benefits:
1. The chamfers are orientated as such so as to focus views from inside and out along the expansive garden.
2. The point of the chamfer creates a thin profile, offering a dynamic and lightweight façade in which they appear ‘thinner’ and more subservient to the solidity of the existing lodge.
FAÇADE – The concept revolves around an elegant and simple rationale, with slender and evenly spaced verticals supporting a strong horizontal band. The dominance of the horizontal band sets the proportions with a ‘lightweight’ feeling, as it seemingly floats across the vertical piers. The vertical piers are then chamfered, offering two benefits:
1. The chamfers are orientated as such so as to focus views from inside and out along the expansive garden.
2. The point of the chamfer creates a thin profile, offering a dynamic and lightweight façade in which they appear ‘thinner’ and more subservient to the solidity of the existing lodge.
