The lovely rural stone villa of Kingscliffe is the site for this recently completed air dried oak structure.

The house itself is over 600 years old and was grade II listed, this meant that the design and detail of the new extension needed to be perfectly in balance with the existing structure to ensure planning approval.

The very careful use of limited numbers of materials allowed us to keep the structure as simple as possible which in turn lends itself to the simple stone surroundings in which the oak structure sat. The use of lead and painted cast gutters gave the new extension an originality that would not have been achievable with the use of standard materials.

With the external elevations looking very traditional, we managed to create a contemporary feel to the interior with the use of simple floor tiles, clean lines and the abundance of natural light. The new floor of the oak extension was taken through into the original kitchen via widened apertures, this was a major factor in creating the combined space of the two areas. The light reflective nature of the limestone flooring helps bounce light into the existing house, with the added benefit of the conservation style roof lights the light in the existing house was brought to a maximum level.

As with most period cottages, the low ceiling heights and small windows create that snug feel in the winter months but to be able to have the contrast of clean bright natural light with vaulted roof space that the oak structure brings really does create that perfect blend.