Case Studies Archives - Natural Structures

Sep 09

by Simon Lewington in Case Studies, News 0 comments

An Entertaining Idea

Our very talented architectural team created this 3D model garden room; our client was looking for a entertaining & relaxing space to make the most of their garden. The room is built on an elevation which allows for lovely views of their garden and maximum light to pass through the space.With a kitchen area, inside and outside seating, it’s perfect for summer entertaining

Nov 20

by sian stanhope in Case Studies 0 comments

Modern Rustic Class Q

This roll top steel barn was once the cattle dairy on the Guiness estate , set with-in the orchard and the family arboretum the position is near perfect , creating containment but allowing maximum natural light helping to create this perfect end of day sanctuary. Class Q was used to enable this conversion to take place , as with all class Q developments the parameters you have to work with in are very strict and it takes a delicate and experienced hand to not only obtain class Q approval but then to design and build to the sites maximum potential. The often large minimal spaces that come hand in hand with these conversions offer huge amounts of creativity, we here at natural structures relish all the options open to us when designing these projects, often keeping existing materials and using them to create continuity through out the project. Less is more…….. In this particular project the main material was steel and concrete , we added oak and used these three main material choices throughout the build. With a polished concrete floor covering the entire ground floor area of 300m2 , the steel columns creating the structural element and then […]

Nov 20

by sian stanhope in Case Studies 0 comments

Modern Class Q (as published in Pride)

Drive Around Rutland & Leicestershire and it won’t be long before you come across unloved old farm buildings which have seen better days. Even in their formative years these were utilitarian structures, intended to be practical, not pretty. But where the rest of us see function, Simon Lewington sees form… and potential. That’s because he heads up Natural Structures, the Leicestershire-based design-led building firm which specialises in the creation of unique buildings the latest building methods combined with materials like French oak ,glass , steel and stone to create beautiful buildings from concept to completion. Traditionally when we’ve shown off Simon’s talent, it’s been to demonstrate his team’s ability to create oak-framed extensions, usually on period properties, to add modern usable spaces to older buildings, typically in conservation areas and adjacent to listed properties – in other words, achieving modern structures whilst ensuring these remain in keeping with their surroundings. This project, though, along with two other similar projects now complete is designed to show how Simon and his team can create an entire structure and a stunning contemporary home in even the most utilitarian setting. “The owner and I both loved the building and saw its potential right from […]

Aug 20

by Simon Lewington in Case Studies 0 comments

Tranquility

Swimming against one of the most powerful indoor jet pools available, facing lakes set in acres of natural habitat you could easily believe you had arrived in some exotic location for an extravagant few days of exercise and relaxation. In fact this is a private home in Leicestershire just designed and completed by ourselves, the ground floor consists of a large vaulted multi-function room which for now is a very comfortable and airy front room and dining area ,stairs from this room lead onto the 1st floor and also lead down to the large jet pool where the gym is interlinked with the pool by sliding glass doors set between oak posts, next to this there is a shower room and WC and the obligatory plant room. An 8 meter aperture can be created with our hand made oak bi-folding doors, the framed landscaped area includes a large oak deck that holds the external sofas, this is wrapped by a split porcelain terrace, this terrace was designed to be on two levels , these levels are separated by a large curved organic S line, the two areas hold the granite water feature, the large sunken fire pit and BBQ area. […]

Nov 19

by Simon Lewington in Case Studies 0 comments

Dazzling Design, Spratton

We love a good before and after photo, and this project shows how our oak frames can really update a home. Our client wanted to replace their traditional, glazed conservatory with a contemporary oak-framed garden room. One very important factor was that the room needed to serve 3 functions; kitchen, dining and living room space. We’re finding more and more that our clients are asking for open-plan spaces to provide seamless living for the family. An extension is a great way to introduce space in any size house. Oak frames are particularly wonderful because they are contemporary whilst simultaneously being timeless – ageing well with the house whilst also allowing the occupants to style the room to their changing tastes. In this build, we removed an internal wall to increase the space of the kitchen, moved the dining area into the new extension area which then created space for a family living area. Light was another important factor of this build, therefore we used floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the light entering the space, and to frame the stunning views of the land. To complete the renovation, our client wanted a clean and contemporary patio to further update the house and […]

Jul 31

by Simon Lewington in Case Studies 0 comments

Cottage Extension, Ashley

This beautiful old cottage is situated in the Leicestershire countryside, it is as pretty as it is quaint. But despite its pros, it has the similar problems as all cottages that we come across; low ceilings, small windows, very contained and not much light. The brief for this project was to create space in the kitchen and increase light throughout the ground floor. To complement the existing house, a flat-roofed design was chosen – as with all projects, it is essential that the new build is sympathetic to the existing, and a flat roof design sits well and doesn’t impose on its surroundings. We also ensured our stonework complimented and colour matched the ‘random coursing’ stonework of the existing cottage to further aid the transition between old and new. Because of the low ceilings, we decided to put two atriums into the flat roof to really maximise as much natural light as possible. To further increase this, the large windows in the extension enable light to flood into the rest of the house. Cottages are known for having unusual layouts, and this one doesn’t disappoint. We love its unique kitchen which has been cleverly designed to maximise space by wrapping […]

Jul 11

by Simon Lewington in Case Studies 0 comments

Historic Build, Bourne

We’ve had the pleasure of contributing to this beautiful historic house. Built in the 17th Century; this property was used by the Bishop of Lincoln as a stopover on a regular basis. The land also has links to the 11th century and may have been used by King John of England. Because of its historic and listed status, planning has a been a very long and difficult road for both our clients and Architects – taking over a year. With a lot of hard work and perseverance, we were finally granted planning permission and could start on site at the end of 2017. The concept for this project was to have the oak frame hidden behind the limestone, so the extension is in keeping with the existing house. The extension’s stonework matches the existing ‘sawn on the bed’ style limestone, which will darken with time and blend in even more with its surroundings. Our oak frame pairs wonderfully with the style of this house; breaking up the hard stonework and adding a contemporary twist with the oaks form and texture. Light was a very important aspect of this project; due to the narrow original windows, the house can be quite […]

Mar 12

by Simon Lewington in Case Studies 0 comments

Boat House, Rolleston

This solid oak framed boathouse was built on a private estate a few miles away from our office in Tur Langton. The lake itself covers approximately 4 acres and has been used for decades to supply the estate with water, fish stocks and ice in the winter. The oak structure is an insulated and fully contained unit which includes: A kitchenette Wood burning stove Dining area “Alfresco” covered eating area Eco WC Two opening elevations leading to the surrounding decking And last but not least, a covered dock for a rowboat. Originally the house was built to accommodate a dozen or so people whilst shooting on the estate but the project evolved and now it’s function is multi-faceted covering shooting parties, birthday parties, weddings and simply just to enjoy the open space next to the water. Although the design is very simple, it works well with the environment. Internally we kept the look and feel very simple, with a timber floor and painted “New England” style match boarding that contrasted nicely with the oak. The cedar roof tiles give the structure the complete “woody feel”. By creating a sympathetic structure we have managed to enhance the area aesthetically but also […]

Oct 20

by Simon Lewington in Case Studies 0 comments

Outstanding Outhouse, Ashley

This multi-functioned oak structure has been designed around four key factors: A living area that is insulated and usable throughout the year. A logia style roof extension creating a dry seating area. A ride on mower garage that was easily accessible to the main lawns. Two rear garages. The oak structure has built in Wi-fi & Sonos speakers throughout. Built-in lighting that also provides extra heating. A double sided log burner and bi-fold doors which allows the structure to be opened up and let the outside in. The chimney breast is lime plastered which, when trowelled, leaves a very natural textured finish. This continues the textures running throughout the design. The ceilings are clad in timber with exposed beam rafters to create a lodge aesthetic. The living area is completely surrounded by large overhangs which enable the doors to remain open, no matter whatever the weather. We used limestone saddle stones on the bottom of the vertical free standing posts and black contemporary furniture which creates a contrast to the oak. The final look and feel of the oak structure is one of simplicity and balance. As our client is a very well renowned interior designer, the finished building has […]

Oct 19

by Simon Lewington in Case Studies 0 comments

From Forest to Front Room

For this very special project, the large oak trusses really were the star of the show. We decided on a cruck truss design, not only because we’ve got the technique down to an art, but we thought this style would add something very unique to the build. After our drawings and calculations were given a thumbs up by the client, we sent our request to our mill owners in France. The crux of this project was to find 6 beams that were similar in section size and more importantly, radius. Our fantastic mill owners painstakingly hand-picked the perfect beams for this project. Once the beams arrived at our workshop our artisan craftsmen began work. To match the large oak trusses, we came up with a simpler, smaller design for the kitchen. Again, once this was confirmed with the client, our team manufactured and assembled the two structures simultaneously. Overall this project was a labour of love by both the client and our team. The organic shape of the trusses emphasises the natural form of the oak which creates a truly unique feel to the space. The clients are delighted with the final outcome, as are we, in fact we think […]

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