The sensitive evolution of a traditional Guernsey cottage
Our clients want to extend their traditional granite cottage, introducing new, contemporary living space for their growing family.
Originally a stables and workers’ accommodation block dating back to the 17th or early 18th century, Orchard House was saved from ruin in the late 1990s by a significant restoration and refurbishment. Set within a generous, well-contained plot, the existing house occupies sloping terrain, offering privacy and strong connections to the surrounding landscape.
Our proposed design introduces a contemporary extension, expanding the compact 1.5-bedroom cottage into a spacious 2.5-bedroom family home. The scheme emphasises spatial quality, improved circulation and visual connections to the landscape, creating light-filled interiors and seamless access to the outdoors.
Formed of overlapping horizontal layers, the extension employs a contemporary yet sympathetic architectural language, contrasting with but complementing the historic stone cottage. Materials and textures are carefully considered to integrate with the existing building and its setting.
Our proposal provides modern amenity and comfort while respecting the heritage and rural character of the existing home, offering a sensitive evolution of an historic property for 21st-century family living.
Concept, 2025
St Saviour, Guernsey