Dormer Bungalow Transformation
A Transformative Timber-clad Single Storey Renovation
This extensive refurbishment and modernisation project reimagines a 1970s dormer bungalow, perched on a wooded, sloping site. Completed in 2018, the brief called for the transformation of the existing structure into a contemporary, cost-effective family home. The client prioritised the connection of the internal living space to the mature landscape setting. Retaining much of the original structure was critical to achieving the project’s sustainability goals and keeping the build within budget.
Project Director: Ryan Martin
Project Leads: Britt Crayston
Contractor: Portus Homes
Structural Engineer: Ellard Contracting
A "secret staircase" is set in the heart of the property, which rises within a vaulted, naturally lit space.
The project employs precisely engineering natural materials, with expansive frameless glass creating a dynamic counterpoint to the composition. Locally sourced timber, expansive glazing, and a palette of muted tones form the material backdrop of the project. Durable finishes were chosen to reduce maintenance, aligning with the client’s desire for a low maintenance property.
Retaining the original structural framework minimized waste and embodied carbon. The project adopts passive design principles, utilising natural ventilation and daylight to reduce energy consumption. Roof windows and glazing strategically capture sunlight, minimizing reliance on artificial lighting.
The design enhances the property’s relationship with its natural context, fostering biodiversity through a low-maintenance rear landscape that extends into the woodland. A terraced landscape scheme transformed the sloping rear garden into usable outdoor spaces, blending seamlessly with the wider context.