Leam Terrace
Overview
Hayward Smart Architects were approached to remodel and extend this 1930’s detached house within the Leamington Spa Conservation Area. The street has a variety of residential properties including large listed regency houses, modest 2 storey dwellings and 3 storey apartment blocks. These vary in style, materials and scale.
The house was very tired and the addition of a conservatory and garage to the rear were detrimental to the setting within mature gardens.
We were asked to create a flexible and ‘relaxing’ home with open-plan living on the ground floor and 4 bedrooms upstairs. This has been achieved by extending to the side and rear with a design that is sympathetic to the ‘arts and crafts’ style of the house, retaining its character within the street scene enhanced by creative landscaping.
The Design
The new addition is constructed of materials to match the existing but it has been designed as a contemporary addition with well considered detailing and massing. The various wall planes to the new front gable add relief and interest to the street elevation.
To the rear a single storey extension with a large sliding/folding screen off the family room leads onto a new raised terrace. Other large openings at ground floor help the new rooms to engage more with the attractive back garden.
The new single storey extension has a flat roof with rooflights to allow natural light deep into the space and ensure uninterrupted views from the existing first floor windows above. An extended overhang at eaves provides shading to the evening sun and it has been detailed to form a very slim edge detail.
The property is sited within the flood plain so careful consideration was given to levels and form of construction. The rear extension and terrace are suspended to minimise any risk.
The front of the house was further enhanced by a landscape scheme developed by the owners, and this contributes to the subtle architecture.
Awards
Winner of The Leamington Society Bill Gibbons Trophy 2016.
