Fusing old and new to create a light, flexible space in which a family can thrive

Our renovation of an important, protected, 17th-century Guernsey granite cottage more than doubled the amount of living space. The sleek but delicate contemporary design of the new forms both preserves and contrasts with the charm and character of the protected cottage, framing its beautiful natural environment while creating bright, light living spaces.

The scheme involved three elements: the expansion of a small granite extension, originally added in 1994; a ‘glass box’ with ‘infinity balcony’ hung over the steep hillside (named Engineering Project of the Year at the 2023 Guernsey Property and Construction Awards); and a large, two-storey, hyper-insulated extension cut into the ground to the rear.

Creating harmony between old and new, the innovative scheme honours the listed cottage and its setting while introducing bold, exciting, sustainable, contemporary design. It provides airy, light-filled, flexible spaces in which this young family can thrive, confident they have enhanced the wooded slopes in which they have put down roots.

WINNER – GUERNSEY DESIGN AWARDS 2024 – SINGLE RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION/EXTENSION

WINNER – GUERNSEY PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION AWARDS 2023 – ENGINEERING PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Design Team: Oliver Westgarth, Ben Hewlett, Natasha Dickinson-Potapkova
Main Contractor: Rouge Oak Construction
Structural Engineer: DLA
Photography: Etienne Laine