Uplands Cottage - Green Oak Extension and Renovation
Project: Residential Extension | Refurbishment | Conservation Area
Location: Turleigh, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire
Client: Private
Uplands Cottage is a complete renovation and extension of a previously converted stone barn in Turleigh, near Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire. Originally converted to a dwelling in the 1980s, the building had been poorly constructed and required a comprehensive approach rather than a simple refurbishment.
The project involved stripping the house back, removing the existing internal walls and floors and replacing the failing and rotting roof. The house was then completely remodelled to create a contemporary home that makes the most of its elevated position, garden and views across the surrounding valley.
Reworking the Stone Barn
The existing conversion had created a series of disconnected spaces that no longer worked for modern family life. By taking the building back to its structure, the project provided an opportunity to reconsider the plan as a whole.
The internal arrangement has been inverted, placing the principal living spaces at first-floor level. A split-level living area creates a sequence of connected spaces while taking advantage of the views from the site.
The kitchen and living spaces are positioned to look across the garden and out towards the valley, making the landscape a central part of the experience of the house.
Green Oak Extension and Glass Link
A new green oak frame provides the principal addition to the existing stone barn. Designed and constructed by Premier Oak Buildings, the oak structure gives the extension a natural material connection with the rural setting while remaining clearly contemporary.
The new extension is separated from the original barn by a glazed link. This creates a clear distinction between the old and new parts of the house while allowing daylight to penetrate between them and strengthening the connection with the garden.
The combination of stone, glass and green oak gives the extension a simple material palette that responds to the character of the existing building without attempting to replicate it.
Replacing the Roof
The existing roof was beyond repair and was completely replaced as part of the renovation.
Reclaimed stone tiles were used for the new roof, matching the material and character of the surrounding buildings and retaining a strong connection with the local vernacular.
The replacement roof combines the appearance of a traditional stone barn with the performance required of a contemporary home.
A New Relationship with the Garden
The steeply banked garden presented its own challenges. Previously difficult to navigate and make use of, the landscape has been completely reworked to create a series of connected terraces.
The new terraced garden provides more accessible and usable outdoor spaces at different levels, extending the living areas of the house into the landscape.
The terraces also respond to the natural fall of the site, creating a gradual transition from the house towards the wider landscape and opening up views across the garden and valley.
The completed project brings together the existing stone barn, new green oak frame, contemporary interiors and terraced landscape to create a home that is rooted in its rural setting while providing a completely new way of living within it.
