| Rose Cottage
A refurbishment and extension of a traditional Cornish cottage. As an existing family home, the cottage was limited on space and in need of repair. The design looks to reconfigure the internal space to suite a modern lifestyle, whilst a new kitchen/dining area forms a small and sensitive extension to the existing house.
The project also aims to repair and conserve the existing building and ensure it is fit for purpose for years to come. A primary aspect of this was to remove the existing cement render from the cob walls, carry out cob repairs, and then install an insulated lime render. The roof structure is also renovated with traditional slate tiles whilst increasing insulation and adding a new dormer window.
We are delighted to see the project complete, with the existing building given a new lease of life, and the extension providing modern living space. Our clients absolutely love their renovated home.
The project also aims to repair and conserve the existing building and ensure it is fit for purpose for years to come. A primary aspect of this was to remove the existing cement render from the cob walls, carry out cob repairs, and then install an insulated lime render. The roof structure is also renovated with traditional slate tiles whilst increasing insulation and adding a new dormer window.
We are delighted to see the project complete, with the existing building given a new lease of life, and the extension providing modern living space. Our clients absolutely love their renovated home.
Project Factfile:
Project Stage: Complete 2022
Location: Cornwall
Architecture: Croft Design Collective LLP
Main Contractor: Nick Garford / Credo Carpentry
Structural Engineer: Emrose Engineering
Lime Supplier: Cornish Lime
Windows: Allen Brothers
Location: Cornwall
Architecture: Croft Design Collective LLP
Main Contractor: Nick Garford / Credo Carpentry
Structural Engineer: Emrose Engineering
Lime Supplier: Cornish Lime
Windows: Allen Brothers
Sustainable Design
The conservation approach applied to the existing house is essential to keep a historic building in use for many years to come. We are really pleased at the success of these measures. Whilst this work was being undertaken, the opportunity was taken to insulate the existing structure and increase the fabric efficiency of the house.
The extension is of timber frame construction, with wood fibre insulation. Lime renders are used to ensure a soft, breathable finish that is consistent with the main house. This construction not only provides a highly comfortable living space, but also reduces the embodied energy in construction.
The extension is of timber frame construction, with wood fibre insulation. Lime renders are used to ensure a soft, breathable finish that is consistent with the main house. This construction not only provides a highly comfortable living space, but also reduces the embodied energy in construction.
Technical Design
The existing house was built primarily from cob, a natural building material common in the south west of England, made from a mix of clay, sand, natural fibres and water. Renovating a cob house requires special consideration. This house had a cement render, a very hard and impermeable material that would have caused damage to the cob, the removal of this needed to be very carefully carried out, in a manner that did not create further damage. Any repairs to this cob are carried out by stitching in new cob, and a breathable, insulated lime render is then re-applied to the wall. Croft coordinated the detail and specification of this work with local specialists to ensure that the work would be carried out in the best manner.