Gingerbread House - Uplyme, East Devon

 

Our Woodyhyde refurbishment and extension project is located on the edge of woodland in Uplyme. The concept seeks to upgrade the existing 1930s home with a series of modest additions. The form and scale of the new extensions draw on the cottage scale and mansard form of the original building to retain the character of the ‘cottage in the woods’. The new additions allow the home to be reconfigured, creating a more open and inviting sequence of interior spaces related to the gardens and views of the river Lym. Our lighting designer client asked us to consider an overlay of varied and layered daylight experiences into the home. The design introduces a series of glazed links between the new and old structures as well as carefully located rooflights, which offer a rhythm of glimpse views and direct light as you move through the plan. A new thermal overcoat of breathable external insulation, over-clad with traditional reclaimed clay peg tiles for both the roof and the walls has been introduced for each of the building volumes. The reclaimed clay tiles offer a sustainable re-use of material as well as reflecting local vernacular. The consistent surface of tiles also accentuates the clustering and composition of the elements in their setting and in light and shadow.