The Pines

: Photography by Richard Chivers

The Pines is an existing Arts and Crafts period property in Surrey, that had been extended at various points previously. 600sqm of floor space was spread over 3 floors, and was mostly broken-down into small, disparate spaces that had little connection with the outdoors or with one another. They wanted a better-performing building, more coherent rooms, and new space for work and wellness.

After considering the house’s history, and honing the brief, we decided-against a demolition and new-build option. Instead, a large contemporary single storey extension, and internal refurbishment of the main house was proposed. Existing extensions were demolished, and internal walls at ground floor level were removed to create a large open plan kitchen / dining space, and the floor excavated and lowered to give more generous height. A courtyard was created with a new extension containing a gym, sauna, and office, along one side. The existing swimming pool was refurbished and takes pride of place in the courtyard. Levels externally and internally were rationalised, and large areas of full-height glazing added, to give a strong inside-outside relationship. The design seeks a harmonious relationship to the original house by complementing the white, rough cast render walls and black painted timber framing of the Arts and Crafts style, with the limewashed white brick and the pre-cast concrete band to the new extension. The new addition is neither over-bearing nor pastiche, but sits comfortably and respectfully against the old.