1960’s home transformed

There are very few projects, particularly domestic ones that have an outstanding Wow factor, but occasionally one will stand out and grab you! John Norman RIBA Adjudicator

The owners moved in with a view to a major project that would transform this tired 1960’s house into a contemporary family home with an impressive double-height space for living and entertaining.

Stowe was commissioned to deliver the project to a design by Peter Wells Architects. We demolished the existing flat roof rear extension and side garage and built a double-height rear extension. This required piling to provide a secure foundation and considerable steelwork to support the structure.

We installed extensive glazing and a gallery landing with glass balustrade. We clad the ceiling with natural cedar wood continuing the line of cedar cladding to the exterior. New walls of handmade bricks were left exposed to give still more natural texture. The whole building was given a new slate roof.

Our joinery workshop made a variety of custom fittings including bespoke fire surrounds and a bookcase that forms a secret door into the family snug.

Our team also completed the external works forming a gravel drive to the front and paved areas to the side and rear.

The quality of craftsmanship on this project was recognised with a Suffolk Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Award in 2023.

Architect: Peter Wells Architects