Carrock Group- Lake House extension. Watermillock Small Renovation Project

Posted by Carrock Group on 5th June 2019 -

Lake House is part of an impressive villa of typical Victorian Lakeland design, previously subdivided into two separate substantial homes, close to Ullswater within the Lake District National Park. The local slate roof has a deep overhang at the eaves, over Lakeland slate walls with ashlar stone window surrounds and quoins. The main criterion of the brief was to extend at ground floor level to take better advantage of the spectacular views across the lake and fells without compromising those from the upper floor bedroom windows above. The client wanted a high quality, contemporary solution, using traditional materials combined with significant areas of glazing.

We were commissioned for a full design & build service including survey, the securing of Planning Permission, through the on-site build to final handover.

Carrock Design Build was responsible for the design process and the on-site build and project management.

The new structure utilises a range of local materials: Lakeland walling slate, sandstone window surrounds and quoins and natural slate roofing. These vernacular materials mirror the existing property and allow the extension to sit comfortably within its garden setting, blending with the existing structure.  The flat roof of the extension projects beyond the structure below to reflect the overhanging eaves of the Victorian house, and the inventive use of modern single ply roofing material with rolled joints, gives the impression of a traditional rolled lead roof. Small areas of slated hipped roof above the flat roof also mirror the host building and create interest at ceiling level within the extension.  A glazed lantern roof light, and full height fenestration combine to deliver bright and spacious living accommodation, enhancing the existing internal character of the property, and allowing spectacular views over the surrounding Lakeland countryside from all the main rooms in the house.

One client requirement was a glass sliding screen within the extension, to slide into a discrete slot in the stonework. The manifestation on the glass, commissioned by the client, depicts the panorama of the hills seen from the property.

Our clients remained on site during the whole of the works, using the adjoining garage as a makeshift kitchen for many months. We were therefore extra mindful of good housekeeping and always ensured that the clients knew what was happening during each stage of the works. Services were disrupted for the minimum amount of time and were always available for the clients at the end of each working day.

Deliveries were programmed carefully, as we were mindful of the rural country roads and the narrow, shared access driveway to the property, which could not accept many of the vehicles which would generally serve construction sites. Waste management was extremely important, as the space available for the construction works was limited. Storage of materials and waste disposal were prioritised, to ensure a clean and tidy site was maintained. Several skips were utilised throughout the duration of the works, with waste-sorting helping to reduce the amount of waste material removed from the site.

Arriving at the main entrance door and coming into the main living accommodation, one could be forgiven for assuming it to be another well-proportioned but traditional Victorian Lakeland villa. However, there is a now hint of something unexpected beyond the original lounge windows: something warm, bright and inviting. On further investigation, this house now opens up into a surprising and spectacular modern space, with vaulted ceilings and a lantern rooflight bathing the interior with natural light and huge areas of glass looking over the tiered garden across Ullswater towards the beautiful Lakeland hills – now a World Heritage Site.

As if that wasn’t enough, the views from the bedrooms above have not been interrupted by the addition of this contemporary extension. Indeed, an imaginative roofscape of high quality materials leads the eye towards the landscape beyond.

Despite a significant area of glazing, the addition to the property significantly increases its thermal performance as a whole. The thermal envelope of the newly constructed extension is sufficiently efficient to outweigh the heat loss from the original external wall and window openings which are now internal.

Throughout the build, our in-house design team and on-site staff liaised with the client on all aspects of the build from choosing ironmongery to lighting and colour schemes.

Invoicing was timely and precise. At all stages of the work suggestions were made that would keep within budget. Our profit for the project was pre-agreed and fixed, allowing us to concentrate on supplying our client with exceptional quality at a reasonable and predictable cost.

Despite its location close to the often busy road along the western banks of Ullswater, the property is tucked away discreetly and quietly takes advantage of the wonderful landscape in which it sits. It is this seclusion which has allowed such generous use of full height glazing without compromising the privacy of our clients. Innovative building techniques along with some very tricky detailing have been used to achieve an apparently simple but stunning design combining traditional building materials and contemporary construction: thus the extension respects its host building, allowing our clients to have an enhanced enjoyment of their home in its very precious setting.