This project was a renovation and extension of a 90m2 1930s workers' cottage on the south slopes of Arch Hill, elevated above a nearby motorway. The existing house consisted of four rooms, which opened off each other with no internal hallway, and a lean-to containing a kitchen and bathroom.

The design intent for this renovation was to stay true to the roofs, of the existing house, as a workers' cottage. To this end, the small scale of the spaces, the immediacy of entry and the simplicity/modesty of function and feel of the house were all retained in the extension.

Many workers' cottages in the area have become grand statements of fashion and affluence. While we did not ignore the fact that the relative market value of the property has risen a great deal since the cottage was originally built, we chose to retain the feel of the house as being for workers. The workers concerned are now urban professionals rather than industrial or domestic workers. These are people with busy, active social lifestyles. It was important that the house facilitated this while not being out of scale with their lifestyles or the original house.

Photography © Chanelle Dickenson Photography