CONVERTED BRICKWORKS

Clear design principles and a glass box extension have opened up this Listed building to create a bright, contemporary family home

A glass box extension is a surprising yet fitting addition to this listed property in Oxfordshire.

The property’s listed status meant we could not touch the fabric of the existing building, so we had to be creative with the space.”

Modernising a listed building would be a challenge for the most patient of home owners, but with their own design company, Kitchen Architecture, and a passion for modern interiors, Rob and Jen

were confident that they could turn a run-down former brickworks in Oxfordshire into a comfortable family home. The property, which dates back to the 1750s, would undergo repair in accordance with its Grade Ii-listed status, but the couple had far bigger and brighter plans for it; plans that would increase the space, harness the light and transform the interior flow.

What was the thinking behind your plans for the house?

We have two daughters, Beatrix, who is ten years old, and Alice, who’s eight, and we wanted to create a truly family-friendly space. Like many old buildings, the original house was a warren of small rooms and, while we felt it would work much better if some of them could be removed, the property’s listed status meant we could not touch the fabric of the existing building, so we had to be creative with the space.

How did you transform the property?

The house is north-facing so we decided to add a large, modern glass box extension that would let in much-needed light. The council planning department approved the design based on its honesty and clarity (you can see exactly what has been added) and we were also allowed to add an extra subterranean level. Although

extensions can’t be built underneath a listed building, we were given permission to create a media and games room, with a swimming pool, under the glass box.

Why did you opt for an open-plan layout?

It is perfect for the way we live; it makes everything feel effortless and comfortable. Our glass extension opens into the kitchen in the old part of the house, so we enjoy spending time here with the children over breakfast and in the evening while they do their homework. There is a second living area at the end of the kitchen, so the girls can be there watching television, too. We are glad to have a spacious home, but we don’t want to lose our children in it.

How do you use this space?

We do a lot of entertaining, for friends and clients, but we are not formal so there is no separate dining room. Our table seats fourteen and is close enough to the kitchen for conversation to flow across the spaces, and there is a comfortable seating area close by. In our work, we are very used to seeing and suggesting interior design ideas, but for this project we had invaluable help from Louise Holt, a brilliant interior designer who kept us on track.

Can you tell us about the kitchen?

The design flows around a central island that incorporates the hob and sink. It is important for us to be able to look towards the living and dining spaces from here, so we can talk to guests and keep an eye on the girls. It was an awkward space to work with as it includes part of the original building, but we felt that an L-shaped layout would be the ideal solution, so we created this e≠ect by building the long island with a bar and sideboard at one end, making a lively spot where guests can gather.

How did you approach the interiors?

The sitting room is north-facing and particularly dark, so Louise encouraged us to embrace this by using a moody colour palette; the result is a lovely, grown-up space that we can escape to in the evenings. We wanted the house overall to have a contemporary air about it and to help make the rooms in the old building feel consistent with the new extension, we used a lot of fitted furniture with clean lines and natural and painted finishes.

What other changes did you make in the old part of the house?

Because no walls could be removed, we had a few problems trying to make the rooms work how we wanted them to, but such hurdles force you to be inventive. We now have adjoining bathrooms for the main bedroom and one of the guest rooms, plus a family bathroom between the girls’ rooms.

Is there anything you would change about the house?

We wanted to replace the original single glazing in the windows at the front of the house, but the planning officers would not budge on that. Otherwise, this really is our dream home. It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, but we feel extremely fortunate and are looking forward to watching our children grow up here.

ADJOINING BATHROOM In this scheme (above), kitchen cabinets were used to provide ample storage and raised off the floor to prevent the space from feeling like a corridor. A modern walk-in shower makes best use of the pitched ceiling at the far end of...

MAIN BEDROOM Located in the old part of the house, the bedrooms needed judicious planning as no walls could be removed. This simple, relaxing scheme (right) makes good use of the space with a pale palette and well-positioned built-in cupboards. Piper...

ENTRANCE HALL At the point where old meets new, exposed brick provides texture and contrast and is a welcome reminder of the original building. Studioilse 451 settle, £1,554, De La Espada, delaespada.com. Clyde side table in white oiled oak, from...

STUDY Running a business means a home office is essential. Fitted furniture (left) keeps the look streamlined and a dark scheme of grey and walnut makes this a calm space that encourages focus. Fitted cupboards and storage in walnut and painted...

BASEMENT Tucked under the stairs, this drinks station and mini kitchen (below) give the new basement level, which includes a media and games room and swimming pool, a luxurious finishing touch. Natural light streams into the space through a glass...

SEATING AREA This space (above) next to the kitchen is a favourite place for watching television (which sits to the right of the chimney breast). The Gellings chose the oversized armchairs as they each seat an adult and one child comfortably. Fly...

LIVING AREA Contemporary designer furniture is a pivotal part of the Gellings’ business and they picked some of their favourites to furnish this new space. Zero-in table, £654, Barber Osgerby at Established & Sons, establishedandsons.com. Lazy...

KITCHEN The design (above) is focused on a long island with a bar at one end, helping to form a convivial L-shape, where the children eat breakfast and guests can gather. Small ball pendant lights with gold flex, £600 each, Michael Anastassiades,...

EXTERIOR The former brickworks dates from the 1750s and occupies an attractive site, which has a stream running through it. Architect, Vivienne Cuffolo, Strategic Design Associates, 01865 244310. Builder, Dom Riggs, modern.living@hotmail.co.uk.

EXTERIOR The glass box extension houses the main living area and offers stunning views of the garden.

FAMILY BATHROOM The double vanity (above left) is a blessing, as the two girls can clean their teeth at the same time without argument. Duravit Vero 500mm wash bowls, £172.80 each; Crosswater Mike Pro 2TH basin fillers, £249 each; all UK Bathroom...

ALICE’S BEDROOM Both of the girls’ rooms are designed to grow with them; the reading pod, for example, can be easily turned into extra wardrobe space simply by replacing the doors. Tip Ton chair, around £217, Barber Osgerby at Vitra, vitra. com....

GUEST BEDROOM Behind the scenes, modern technology ensures comfort at all times, with digital Rako controls (above) to adjust the lighting and blinds that can be activated at the touch of a button or via a smart phone. Caravaggio Read wall...