2A1M Studio have been engaged to renovate and potentially extend a characterful property on a 1960s development in Bath. The estate contains fifty or so detached ‘cottage’ dwellings of bath and rubble stone, neatly nestled into the upper slopes of Bathwick hill with generous views over the downs to the north. The original estate contained three variations, deployed to lend a distinct character to different areas and to best suit their position on the slope.
Although there has been significant adaption and alteration over the past 60 years, the overall impression of the estate is still one of comfortably homogeneity, with a distinct character that, if the carefully tended lawns and neat leafy hedgerows are anything to go by, is diligently maintained by its residents.
The property sits at the back of the estate, high up against the mature woodland that crests the hill, in a row of similar properties running perpendicular to the slope. This leafy backdrop rises sharply and distinguishes the row from the rest of the estate. It also likely dictated the row’s ‘Big Roof’ typology, which is two-storey on the upper façade facing the wood and single storey on the façade facing the street. Consequently, the character of the house is dictated by the uninterrupted north facing roof, with a mass of mature trees above and a band of cut bath stone and generously proportioned glazing below. The overall effect is pleasing, with the slope of the roof bedding the property into its setting and negotiating the transition between the wood and the streetscape.
One of the goals of the project is to maintain this harmony while resolving the difficulties the residents are experiencing. This immediately rules out some of the more common extensions seen elsewhere on the estate, many of which established a new roof perpendicular to the existing one and presented a gable to the street. This simple way of creating new space on the first floor undermines the character of the estate generally and would be particularly awkward high up against the wood.
The internal layout is cramped and poorly suited to modern family life, and despite its advantageous position, natural light and views are lacking. The slope and trees blocking them to the south and the characterful roof pitch blocking them to the north. Limited views from the ground floor living spaces are also obscured by the streetscape.
A poor quality side extension links the main house to its garage and consequently to the neighbouring property, muddying the clarity of the row at ground floor, but providing a potential site for new/replacement accommodation that has been utilised in extensions elsewhere.
2A1M are currently working on design options to rationalise the internal plan, open the interior to the views to the north, increase internal light levels in the principal living spaces and better connect them with the steeply sloping rear garden.
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