CLOSER LOOK

Little Horsecroft is a 17th century, grade II listed cottage, saved from ruin by a family with a deep-rooted connection to the house and local community. The owners purchased the house in 2015, when the wider estate was sold, and appointed architects IF_DO to come up with a remodel that would bring the property into the 21st century – while respecting its heritage and preserving all that was good.

Key aspects of the design centred on reinstating clarity to the historic cruciform plan, removing later additions and rotten fabric, and creating a series of new spaces suitable for modern life. Energy efficiency was critical; the clients wanted a home that was light, comfortable, affordable to run and kind to the environment.

IF_DO devised a scheme where the interventions and extensions are distinct, yet respond to the architectural heritage of the building. Natural materials such as oak, lime, lead, lambswool and wood-fibre insulation were used across old and new. Original casement windows (discovered on site) were restored and reinstated, floor bricks were relaid over insulated limecrete slabs, and the client made ornate bargeboards to replicate historic photos.

The finished cottage has gone from a damp, dark, draughty and impractical building to a strong, cosy, light, user-friendly and efficient home – with total annual CO2 emissions slashed by 60%.

For more information visit www.ifdo.co