Arts and Crafts Building Meets Contemporary Design - Blending old and new architecture

Large contemporary extension addition to a traditional Arts and Crafts building

We’re excited to share a unique and rewarding home extension project underway in the beautiful Berkshire countryside. This collaboration blends classic Arts and Crafts influences with striking contemporary modernism, creating a truly imaginative design.

The existing house is a charming traditional property undergoing a thoughtful refurbishment with a mix of classic, contemporary, and retro inspirations. The new extension reflects this eclectic vision, with a substantial kitchen extension on the ground floor serving as a central feature.

Above it, the first-floor wing introduces an ultra-contemporary aesthetic. This striking addition includes a modern office, a home cinema, and a secret passage hidden behind a bookcase door, adding a playful yet sophisticated touch to the design.

The elevated wing also takes full advantage of the site’s split levels, overlooking a beautifully designed lower-level patio with a pool, sauna, and changing area.

The design embraces contrasting traditional and contemporary forms, while creating harmony through materials that echo the original home’s character. The first-floor wing, for instance, is clad in stone, mirroring the Arts and Crafts quoins which accent the original structure.

On the east-facing side, copper cladding adds a bold yet complementary element, its warm tones resonating with the clay roof tiles of the existing house. This thoughtful material palette balances modern innovation with a respectful nod to the home’s heritage.

Connecting these contrasting elements is a glass link and bridge, which both separates and unifies the traditional and contemporary wings, creating a seamless flow between old and new.

This fusion of styles celebrates the best of both worlds, delivering a home that is as functional as it is visually stunning while blending old and new architecture.

For more details please click here to see our project page.