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Studio for a Landscape Designer

Outbuilding conversion of a notable building in a National Landscape and Conservation Area

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Designed to sit comfortably within the surrounding Conservation Area and North Wessex Downs National Landscape, this studio replaces a garage and shed that had fallen into disrepair. It provides additional living space and accommodation for the neighbouring house, with inspiring views to the east across the neighbouring fields from the fully glazed gable end.

Project Type

Conservation

Garden Studio

Location

Hurstbourne Tarrant, Hampshire

Project Team

MRH Builders Ltd

JCP Engineering

Local Authority

Basingstoke & Deane

National Landscape

The surrounding North Wessex Downs National Landscape was carefully considered during the design process to ensure that the studio had minimum impact and sat comfortably in its surroundings.

Project Highlights

1 Pre-App Advice

Although not listed, the garage and adjoining house are recorded as ‘notable buildings’ in the Conservation Area so the design underwent a pre-application with Basingstoke Council prior to submitting full planning permission. Working closely with the Council and historian Frank Dowling, the designs were refined to ensure a successful result.

2 Conservation Area

Richmond Bell worked to focus on conserving and enhancing landscapes and scenic beauty of the surrounding conservation area by maintaining the character of the original garage. Following the pre-app, the existing building was retained and the ridge height of the conversion reduced to ensure the studio was subservient to the main house.

3 Materiality

To ensure the studio preserved the character of the conservation area and National Landscape the materials used for the studio reflect the local vernacular. The walls are built from reclaimed brickwork with a natural clay tile roof and timber doors. Cast iron rainwater goods match those of the original garage building.

4 Functionality

The client wanted a flexible entertainment space with additional accommodation, as well as an office space for their garden design business. This was achieved by adding two contemporary extensions to the north and east, which ensured a garage bay could also be retained.

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01722 324 835 info@richmondbellarchitects.com

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