01746 768191

Designer Home Within A World Heritage Setting

This striking new home replaces an asbestos ridden poor quality single-storey bungalow. The new home is a bold and contemporary two-storey dwelling, set within the heart of the UNESCO Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. We provided full architectural services, from initial concept design and planning support through to detailed construction documentation and on-site support.

A sensitive response to a historic setting

The site is located between two Scheduled Ancient Monuments, the world-famous Iron Bridge and the historic Bedlam Furnaces and lies within the Ironbridge Conservation Area. It also backs onto Madeley Road, which is lined with four Grade II listed buildings and several Buildings of Local Interest.

Given the exceptional historic and architectural significance of the area, the planning process required careful navigation. Our Shropshire architects collaborated with a team of specialists to produce a comprehensive set of supporting documents that assessed the design’s impact on nearby heritage assets and the surrounding landscape.

Key design decisions were made early to reduce the visual impact of the new building. The replacement dwelling sits slightly forward of the original bungalow but is set lower into the landscape to follow the natural topography. Surrounded by existing three-storey buildings, the new two-storey home is scaled to integrate harmoniously within its context.

Designed for modern family life

The house is tailored to suit contemporary living. Visitors are welcomed into a dramatic double-height entrance hall, with a modern staircase leading up to a gallery-style first-floor landing. The upper floor contains five bedrooms two of which feature en-suite bathrooms designed to provide comfort and privacy for the whole family.

On the ground floor, a generous open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area connects to the rear garden through large bifold doors, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space ideal for entertaining and summer gatherings. A snug, playroom, office, utility, WC, and integrated single garage complete the flexible ground floor layout.

Materials inspired by Ironbridge Gorge

We carefully selected materials to reflect and respect the surrounding architectural heritage. The design takes cues from traditional timber-clad structures found throughout the Gorge, while also referencing more contemporary buildings such as the modern extension at the Jackfield Tile Museum. The result is a design that feels both timeless and modern, rooted in its context.

Thoughtful, contemporary architecture

This project exemplifies how contemporary architecture can sit comfortably within a historically sensitive environment. By working closely with heritage experts and the local authority, we created a sustainable and future-proof home that complements and enhances its remarkable setting.

Other similar projects

Contemporary House

Contemporary House

Small Project, Big Impact!

Small Project, Big Impact!

VR Tour

VR Tour

37 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews
"

Thanks for all your support with the process. I am so glad I went with you for the design and project management, it’s been complicated with the house being listed and the location etc. I have felt confident throughout the process, thanks to your service. I am very pleased with my much improved home and I know it would have been I very challenging and stressful process without your help.

"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rachel Mckenzie
"

We engaged Johnson Design 4 years ago at the start of a big renovation and new build project. Matt Spinks has always taken our ideas or vague notions of an idea and turned them into something innovative which is both attractive and practical. We were delighted with the final plans which went straight through planning permission, even though part of the project was a Grade 2 listed renovation. As a project manager Matt has also been first rate and thoroughly supportive. We would not hesitate to recommend Johnson Design.

"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lynda Hall. Rural Farmhouse Extension, Annexe and Garaging.
"

We would recommend Johnson Design for those wanting to extend their home. They came up with an original concept and layout, moving the stairs was something we’d not even considered but it works really well. They then worked with us to accommodate our ideas, making the design collaborative. They talked us through the various stages of the process and explained everything, also because they handled everything it meant we didn’t need to get involved with the complexities of the planning process.

"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mr and Mrs Clary – Bridgnorth, Shropshire
"

I am extremely pleased with my new extension and kitchen and with the overall ease with which it has been achieved.

"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chris de Souza – Much Wenlock, Shropshire
"

A key element of our business ethos is to provide our clients with access to the very best expertise and specialists in their field, always looking after their interests. Partnering with like-minded companies, such as Johnson Design Partnership, ensures we fulfil this ethos.

"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sean Byrne, CEO at The Del Bosque Group, Sean Byrne, CEO at The Del Bosque Group
"

Johnson Design Partnership consistently delivered a series of high-quality and successful strategic feasibility studies, development options appraisals, and major ward refurbishment projects for the Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead. Throughout these commissions, JDP demonstrated effective project analysis, a strong understanding of the clinical environment, operational constraints of live hospital settings, and the rigorous governance, programme, and stakeholder engagement requirements associated with acute healthcare estates. I am pleased to confirm that, in my role as Director of Capital Projects for the Essentia Group, I have also been impressed by Johnson Design Partnership Ltd’s (JDP) service delivery on a major ward refurbishment and ward improvement works scheme. The project involved re-design, refurbishment, and upgrade of general adult ward, delivered in response to winter pressures, with schemes designed to allow subsequent conversion to paediatric facilities. Across all projects, JDP proved to be a reliable and proactive consultant, providing clear leadership, well coordinated multi-disciplinary design input, and pragmatic, deliverable solutions aligned with both clinical needs and capital cost constraints.

"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Director of Capital Projects for the Essentia Group
"

I have recently finished my third project with Johnson Design! Two at my work premises and one residential. Matt Spinks is great to work with and always has great ideas and attention to detail. Will come back for any future projects 🙂

"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lucy LC
"

We looked at a couple of different Architect Practices whilst deciding on which to use for our house renovation, and immediately warmed to the team at Johnson Design Partnership Ltd. They were smart, professional, and following a visit to the property issued us with a comprehensive plan… We were both very impressed at the understanding and the detail that had gone in to finding out exactly what we wanted… Johnson Design Partnership handled the tender process with the Building contractors and again we were very happy with the choice that we made…. There was nothing left to chance and the whole team were a pleasure to work with… We really are very pleased with how the house was transformed throughout the five months that the builders were deconstructing it and then reconstructing it, and the end results are amazing, we love our home, and would and have recommended Johnson Design Partnership to friends and family alike

"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Faye Lee, Telford