Stable Block

This formerly crumbling, arts and crafts Grade II listed stable block has been rescued and restored to create a sensitively detailed, accessible home with extensive thermal upgrades. Studio Brassica carried out a full service for this project from assisting the client with their brief, early stage design work, through planning and listed building approvals, technical drawings,  contractor pricing and on site monitoring. 

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To minimise disruption and preserve the existing fabric an extension was designed to plug in to the back of the block to link the key spaces and provide services including air source heat pump and underfloor heating equipment. At ground floor this also allowed for an accessible bathroom that is both functional and stylish challenging the stereotype that such bathrooms cannot be aesthetically pleasing. Windows have been carefully positioned to frame views across the fields to the Black Mountains.

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In the spirit of the arts and crafts movement simple materials were used in creative ways. Sawtooth bricks stacked vertically and horizontally create a weave effect that varies and reflects the changeable Welsh weather. A dark green glazed brick was used on the front, picking up on the striking tiled fireplaces in the main house, and a plainer Staffordshire blue brick for the less formal rear. Internally quarry tiles are laid in herringbone, stack and stagger bond, subtly distinguishing between rooms. A new lightweight perforated metal and oak stair slots into the existing tack room panelling and enables light and patterned shadows to pass through.

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An innovative solution was needed to create a light, comfortable living room in the former garage space, previously characterised by large solid sliding doors with fanlights. Working with local metalworkers Studio Brassica developed a series of pivoting louvres which can be opened and closed by hand via a salvaged cart wheel connected to a simple geared mechanism.

 

Photographs by Francesco Montaguti