The project was to completely revamp an under-used garage / storage area attached to a manor house to accommodate a family as part of a potential commune housing other families in the main manor.  Each unit would be independent and private with some shared options like kitchen/dining and utility/laundry.  A separate self-contained studio flat was included at first floor with external access via a spiral stair on the north / entrance side.

​

The site has many acres with rolling Hampshire hills looking south across to the distant horizon.  Architecturally the manor house is an isolated large scale building with a municipal quality rather than residential.

 

There was no merit in duplicating the approach of the existing manor - the existing garage extension is already a departure from the manor with an impressive brick wall along the south face.  The design featured here made a clear distinction between new and old for historical clarity; it was a first stab at a contemporary solution which would have been developed further - unfortunately the family plans changed and the scheme did not progress past this point.

​

The main thrust was to make the most of the generous south facing views so the main living space has broad glazing and verandah with a brise soleil-pluie. 

​