The first phase of this exciting residential project has recently been completed by JDP, Shropshire architects, transforming a long-neglected 1970s property into a contemporary designer home tailored for modern living. As local architects for residential buildings working across Shropshire and the West Midlands, it was a pleasure to breathe new life into a house that had stood empty for several years.
The stunning pigmento green zinc single storey wrap-around extension connects the living and kitchen spaces with the garden, blurring the boundary between inside and out. Projecting less than two metres from the original footprint, this subtle intervention has had a powerful impact on space, light and flow.
A pergola in the same contemporary language connects the new entrance with the driveway and extension beyond.
The front entrance was relocated to create a strong, central arrival. What was once a series of small, dark rooms is now a bright, open ground floor, animated by carefully positioned skylights.
A large frameless oriel window replaces the former front door, delivering an immediate wow factor from the street and forming a generous window seat. This is a particular favourite with the owners’ cats, who have quickly claimed the warm, light-drenched space as their own.
A double-height lounge and mezzanine make the most of the home’s elevated position, centred around an Italian-made designer spiral staircase with views stretching across the valley
Triple glazing and underfloor heating and new insulation throughout the house are already proving their worth, creating a warm and comfortable refuge during the winter months.
Upstairs, the connection to the landscape continues with a new study and terrace offering panoramic countryside views and featuring a walk-on skylight servicing the kitchen.
Originally dark and compartmentalised, the existing house made little of an exceptional plot. Positioned on the end of a sandstone peninsula, the site enjoys 360-degree views across the town and surrounding countryside. Whilst within walking distance of the town, ground floor and first floor extensions have made the most of these countryside views.
The project was not without its complexities. A Tree Preservation Order close to the extension, a lack of foundations under part of the original house and additional planning constraints required careful navigation. Our experienced Shropshire Architects guided the project through the planning process, ensuring every element received the attention and sensitivity it deserved.
Sustainability was integral to the scheme, with solar panels and a sunken rainwater harvesting system supplying grey water to the house and garden irrigation.
Phase two of the project is planned for 2026 and will focus on landscaping the garden and taking advantage of the levels on the plot, creating a hidden pavilion containing a gym and en-suite with an overhanging green roof for a private entertaining area.
The final layer in this evolving designer home, the completed scheme will stand as a thoughtful example of how sensitive extensions and reconfiguration with the help of residential architects can transform an existing house into a modern, sustainable family home.
