Topsham The practice was asked by a developer client to transform a rather ugly and confused 1970’s building next to a Grade I listed building and in the heart of a Conservation Area, with stunning views to the west, over an estuary and distant hills and still in the heart of the town they’ve lived in for many years.The challenge was to get living accommodation on the first floor with the view, opening on to an outside terrace, with two ground floor bedrooms and a second floor spare room contained within the very tight limitations of the existing house envelope and boundaries. This involved changing the floor heights to make the most of the views, not exceeding the existing ridge height and complying with strict controls on external character and materials.We have managed to achieve a spacious, light and airy modern house within a historic urban setting and with modern detailing that respects the character of the historic surroundings. This involved very imaginative structural solutions by Paul Carpenter Associates to achieve the spaces and openings required. The simple lines of both internal and external views conceal some fairly sophisticated but eminently practical engineering solutions on structure, architectural insulation and services. With site limitations, everything had to be brought in by hand or very small van, and the minimum of waste and spoil exported from the site. Download project card (528 KB pdf)
