Julia Bennett Architects
PROJECTS
Special thanks to all our Clients for working with us on these projects
APRIL COTTAGE, Lower Brailes
The deep retrofit of this stone terraced cottage using natural materials and local specialists was a labour of love for the client and took several years to complete, and we developed a strong friendship.
The roof, walls and floor were stripped back so that airtightness and thick natural insulation could be installed. A new dormer was added to the rear south-facing roof, giving the new attic bedroom extensive views over the Feldon valley.
The building services strategy to reduce the energy impact of the house included solar PV panels, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery MVHR, an air source heat pump and roof-mounted solar PV system.
During construction, the existing rear Kitchen extension was found to be unstable so, after swift responsive design, was demolished and replaced with super-insulated airtight construction. We also managed to fit in a small ground floor WC and shower in the re-build.
STRAW COTTAGE, Gloucestershire
New Passivhaus self-build cottage using straw-insulated structural panels manufactured off-site for a quick build.
Ecological and archaeological considerations play a significant part in bringing this project to site, as well as the complexities of bringing utilities to a rural site in an affordable way.
Currently at Technical Design stage.
GLENCAIRN PARK ROAD, Gloucestershire
Creating a phased 'Whole House Plan' for the retrofit and new extension to de-carbonise this beautiful semi-detached Edwardian villa was the Client's top priority.
Currently at Tender Stage.
RYKNILD HOUSE, nr Cheltenham
Over the years, we have been engaged for 4 projects by the owners of this house on the edge of a North Cotswolds village.
The house was originally designed in the 90s (by a local practice I worked for in my very early career). Even though it is a 'modern' house, it lies in the curtilage of a listed building, and required applications for listed building consent.
There have been phased design and energy improvements - extensions, retrofit insulation and services, along with careful consideration for the ecology on the site. They were very early adopters of a heat pump and solar PV system.
RECTORY FARM, nr Cheltenham
This Grade II listed farmhouse, barn, stables and other outbuildings have been in the client's farming family for generations.
The buildings are gradually being improved through phased repair and low carbon insulation and renewables works, each requiring Listed Building Consent..
The client wants to make sure that as the inhabitants get older, there is a core part of the house that can be affordably warm in the winter.
Ecology on the site is also a high priority and the client has gone to great lengths to make a positive contribution to the diversity and protection of the flora and fauna.
Before
After
BOURNE FARM BARN, Kington
This project used 'Class Q Permitted Development to convert existing agricultural buildings into a modern, low energy dwelling house for the farming family clients without the need for full planning permission.
The steel structure of the barns had to be retained and strengthened, and the very rough foundations needed reinforcement. After groundworks, the walls and roof were clad with super-insulated panels made off-site and craned into place to achieve a weathertight shell in 3 weeks.
The closed agricultural appearance on the outside belies the light and fresh interior, with the open plan kitchen/ dining/ living room making the most of the original spaces and the views out across the fields.
THE OLD COTTAGE, Cheltenham
This property in a secret corner in the centre of Cheltenham was originally cold and draughty staff quarters for an adjoining listed Regency villa.
The house needed substantial repairs, along with improvements to the roof, windows and internal spaces to make it comfortable and liveable for the family.
Where possible, original features were reinstated and modern elements and finishes were stripped back and replaced with Regency detailing and natural heritage materials.
CUCKOO COTTAGE, Oxfordshire
The clients bought this property as their 'forever home' and worked sympathetically with the historic fabric and some quirky modern additions to improve comfort, light and health with low energy retrofit measures.
The design re-arranged stairs and internal spaces to suit the clients' own way of living, working, relaxing and entertaining.
FULBROOK COTTAGE, North Cotswolds
The clients renovate character properties to a high standard and bought this cottage next to a mill stream when it was in a ramshackle condition.
The design re-ordered the entrance areas and returned the nook fireplace back to it's original form.
A low lean-to at the end of the house was removed to make way for a new vaulted Kitchen/ Dining room with an outdoor eating area overlooking the brook.