This comprehensive renovation project in Castleknock involved the full reconfiguration and extension of a family home, transforming it into a contemporary, light-filled sanctuary. A sleek new extension to the front, side and rear has redefined the living spaces, introducing an abundance of natural light and strong connections to the surrounding garden.

This Hamptons Villa celebrates summer living by opening up onto a spacious lawn bordered by lush vegetation complete with a 20 m pool. The villa is positioned on the north end of the site and opens in a large swooping arch both in plan and in elevation to the south. Upon approaching the villa from the North, one is struck by the verboding monolithic and opaque quality of the form. However, from the south the villa is completely open and porous. Architecturally the villa speaks to the long tradition of gable roof residential architecture in the area. The villa is organized around a large double height great room which hosts all the social functions of the house; kitchen, dining, salon, library with loft and guestroom above. On either side of the great room are terraces that lead to the private master suite and bedrooms. As the program of the house gets more private the roof becomes lower. Hosting artists is an integral part of the culture of the Hamptons. As such our Villa provides for a spacious artist’s studio to use while in residency at the villa.

Our clients approached Ben Cunliffe Architects to create a high quality holiday let property which would eventually be suitable for their retirement home at a later date. Located on the outskirts of Windermere, this stunning Pattinson Arts and Crafts house was set in magnificent but very overgrown gardens but the potential to bring the house back to its former glory was evident the moment we arrived. We focused on a programme of internal refurbishment, fully updating the interior and making small changes to the existing layouts. This involved relocating to the kitchen to be with the dining and living spaces to the south side of the property, capitalising on the views across the gardens and making the most of the natural light. A new two storey extension was added to replace the former attached garage offering ground and first floor luxury bedroom suites; plus a second extension to provide a new double garage with annex space above. The extensions were designed to be sympathetic in form and mass to the original house, but using natural slate facings to differentiate the new additions from the white-finished render of the original building. The whole building was subject to a programme of general upgrades to the mechanical and electrical installations, and general upgrades to the insulation levels bringing the house up to modern day standards were also undertaken. Externally, the wide terraces that wrap around the property and the steps leading into the magnificent garden were restored and re-flagged providing the most wonderful outdoor entertaining space.

The centre piece of the works was a single storey ground floor extension that extended the kitchen and usable living space, whilst connecting the house with the garden thanks to the Grand Slider II aluminium sliding doors and a large fixed frame picture window. Architect: Simon Whitehead Architects Photographer: Bill Bolton

Photo: Chris Snook © 2014 Houzz

Building Designer: Gerard Smith Design Photographer: Paul Smith Images Winner of HIA House of the Year over $2M

Large full height sliding windows and doors leading from living room out to the garden, allowing the interior and exterior to function as one.

Sussex waterfront contemporary. This amazing contemporary family home is located on the waterfront in an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking the harbour. The design has developed as a response to the location and to take advantage of views over the sea, countryside, and adjoining meadows. Every element of the architecture and interiors has been considered to maximise both form and function – beautiful contemporary design and practicality tailored to the client’s aesthetic sensibilities and lifestyle. The home features the use of Danish brick, cedar timber and a zinc roof all in a natural palette of materials on the exterior and neutral design scheme on the interiors using sustainable and natural materials. The gardens have been designed to maximise the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces and include wildflower meadows, and soft and hard landscaping. A fabric first approach to sustainability has been used and the design allows for natural light to penetrate the building while considering shading and thermal gain. The interiors have been developed around functionality while employing a clean modern design and the use of warm natural materials. A true dream home with dream clients!

House shoot on location for Hazel Mill, Slad.

Simon Orchard

Mel Yates

One of 5 award winning new build houses by Junnell Homes in Prinsted, Emsworth, Hampshire. Widespread use of natural materials to fit in with the local vernacular style. Brick & flint, lime render and oak structures. The classical arts & crafts exterior belies the large open plan contemporary interior finishes by At No 19

Jonathan Little

Diego Opazo