Dramatic renovation, exterior makeover and extension of 1970s Newbury home

Kate’s own 1970s property and Absolute Architecture’s studio base, Crowsteps, wasn’t much to look at, but it was in a beautifully private town centre location that was perfect for living and working.

The challenge key challenges were to open up the house to the lovely gardens, create family living spaces that would truly stand the test of time, and provide an adaptable environment that would suit home living as well as a workspace for the Absolute Architecture team.

Location: Newbury, Berkshire

Materials: The house is rendered with a new contemporary brick extension to the front. The clay roof and timber detailing add warmth. Internally a soft and neutral palette provide the perfect background for family life and interesting collections of furniture and artefacts. The landscaping is also key, softening the building into the environment.

Clever aspects: The house is insulated externally, creating a warm and airtight skin. The open hallway and steel and glass staircase retain views of the gardens from all areas of the house and open up space vertically. It’s the perfect space to entertain, dance and even skate board!

Friends on the project: As Absolute Architecture is experienced in construction project management, we self-project managed this build. Key partners on the project were:

• Ben Heath created the stunning kitchen
• UK Bathroom warehouse supplied the sanitaryware
• Janine Pattison Studios designed the soft landscaping to complete the home

Whilst too numerous to mention, we do want to thank all of our regular suppliers and trades for their help on this home.

We love: Living and working in this house – it’s fab! We have so much space to grow, come together and be apart. The house adapts and we can adapt with it as the children get older and the needs of Absolute Architecture evolve.

Green architecture new build for a canal side cottage in Newbury, Berkshire

With a flood threatened historic cottage on an island site on the Kennet & Avon Canal, this family approached Absolute Architecture to help them come up with a solution for their home. The property in its current state was terrible to live in but loved by many, especially those passing by on the canal.

After discussing their options and creating architecture design concepts, the solution was to design a new, light weight timber framed cottage. This way it could be craned over and assembled on a piled raft. The form and materials are simple, drawing on the time-honoured techniques and materials of the surrounding boat yard.

Location: Kennet & Avon Canal in Newbury, Berkshire

Materials: The decision was made to clad the new build in western red cedar, so the cottage would weather naturally and blend with the environment. The zinc roof and some grey flecked brickwork completes an honest palette of materials.

Clever aspects: This is a cosy cottage and is built to enhanced code for sustainable homes level 4 standards. It is all heated by a water source heat pump tucked in below the canal banks.

Friends on the project:  Greenham Construction worked with us to build this project, combining craftsmanship and logistical astuteness to manage a difficult building site.

We love: The way this building is aging and settling in to its environment as if it has always been there. The new build of Greenham Lock Cottage is now held in equal affection with canal goers and is a landmark on this historic route.