Tree Tops

We were asked to take part in a competitive tender process for an exciting house refurbishment by Woodford Architecture, and during that process we were able to meet the clients. Having advocated the benefits of working on a collaborative costs plus basis, the clients chose to negotiate with us on that basis. As a consequence the breadth and depth of the scheme was able to evolve over the course of the project and together with clients and architect we made common sense decisions about works, as the old bones of the house were uncovered. Ultimately the main roof was replaced, new heating and electrical services were run throughout, new suspended floors installed, and there was an extensive amount of replastering following our detailed survey and recommendations. Two of our favourite elements were the refurbishment of the summer house, and the installation of our first pétanque piste in the garden.

The site was accessed via a steep driveway off the main through single road in Thurlestone village. This was perhaps the most significant challenge of the job, and we employed a range of plant, labour and telehandlers to mitigate the cost of getting materials from roadside up to where it was needed, and to ensure no issues with locals whom we wished to keep on side. The site itself is delightfully deceptive – a relatively narrow, steep driveway in the centre of the village leads to a large, open and impressive garden and detached house with a large separate garage block and a summer house the far end of the garden.

A thorough refurbishment working alongside interior designers and architect was planned to bring the house up to modern standards, for a family moving into it as their main family residence. The key was to ensure an exacting level of finish throughout, with joinery, plastering, and decorations to be to the highest standards. We came up with a lot of proactive ideas and solutions along the way to improve the fabric of the building as any horrors were uncovered.

The kitchen extension was designed as a traditional block and masonry cavity wall extension, with a reinforced structural slab. The exsiting house was of masonry walls located on suspended timber floors, most of which required work to level out and repair. We insulated the loft floor and replaced all roof coverings, undertaking what timber structural repairs were required, and replacing the lead hips, valley and gutters. All existing windows were replaced with double glazed bespoke timber sash windows to match the originals, which vastly improved the thermal performance of the property. We rationalised the existing drainage and upgraded where necessary, and brought in a three phase electric supply from the public road, via National Grid. The lighting was designed by Amos Lighting, and along with the joinery was a key element of the final aesthetic along with beautiful new timber floors and fireplaces.

The clients proved charming and flexible in their approach and welcomed the transparent and constructive approach we took to the job, and our regular Cost Value Reconciliations. Decisions were made quickly when required, and we offered our advice and recommendation as each new decision became necessary, as much of the existing old building fabric was unsurpisringly not up to standard, and the clients wanted a robust house with an infrastructure that would work without issue for their family. We really enjoyed working as a tight knit team, and looking to do the maximum possible for minimum cost, bringing in the best one or two man subcontractor teams that we could wherever possible to avoid paying margin to larger outfits. Since completion we have regularly kept touch on a social level with the clients.

On walking up a steep curved driveway from the main Thurlestone village road, one arrives in front of an imposing rendered masonry 1930’s detached two storey house with timber mouldings and traditional sash windows below a pitched slate roof. The main hallway provides access to well-proportioned snug and a grand reception room which now connects onto the new kitchen and dining extension. There are a mixture of tiled stone and oiled timber floors on the ground floor, which also boasts a wine room and separate cloakroom with attached WC. Outside there is an impressive new patio area and landscaping leading up stone steps to a refurbished Summer Room, which has painted Tongue and groove internal cladding, bespoke kitchen at one end and a smart shower room. Sanitaryware to all refurbished bathrooms came from Perrin and Rowe; lighting design and supply from Amos Lighting; tiles and stone from Artisans of Devizes. The concept was to create a warm, smart but unostentatious family home in this secluded but central village setting.