CHALK HOUSE
Arts and Crafts movement meets contemporary modernism in the Berkshire countyside, Maidenhead
This imaginative and rewarding home extension project in the Berkshire region was a delight to work on, thanks to two main factors: our clients and the dynamic design process. The clients, with their vibrant and contrasting personalities, brought unique ideas and a clear vision, which fueled a collaborative and creative approach. The resulting design is a true reflection of our interaction, blending their personal style with innovative solutions to create a space that is both functional and inspiring.
OUR
APPROACH
Our approach to this project involved a striking extension and thoughtful refurbishment of a traditional-style home. Working closely with our clients, we developed a curated design vision that blends classic traditional elements with contemporary and retro inspirations, creating a unique and characterful aesthetic throughout the space.
A key feature of the design is a full-height glazed link that connects the existing building to the new extension, with glass panels following the shape of the original pitched roof. This elegant addition floods the space with natural light and creates a visual connection between the old and new structures.
The ground floor extension boasts a spacious, open-plan kitchen that integrates effortlessly with the existing home, offering a light and airy environment beneath the glass link.
Above, we incorporated a feature glass bridge leading to the newly extended area, where we designed an ultra-contemporary first-floor wing that introduces a sleek, modern twist. This new addition includes a private office, a home cinema, and a hidden passage cleverly concealed behind a bookcase door, adding an element of surprise and intrigue.
The wing's design is thoughtfully connected to the split-level site, providing stunning views of the pool, sauna, and changing area on the lower-level patio, enhancing the home's seamless connection to its outdoor spaces.
PROJECT
GALLERY
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
While the design’s form creates a striking contrast—blending traditional and contemporary elements—the choice of materials thoughtfully echoes the original home's traditional character. The first-floor wing, for example, is clad in stone, a nod to the classic Arts and Crafts quoins that accent the corners of the home. Meanwhile, the east face features rich copper cladding, a modern material that resonates with the warm tones of the original clay roof tiles, seamlessly blending the old with the new.
At some point early in our meetings with the client, someone quipped that the new design was "Lutyens meets Lautner" - a reference to the classic Arts & Crafts architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and the Los Angeles architect John Lautner known for his contemporary designs.
We'd like to think that Sir Edwin and Launter wouldn't object …