Extension to thatched cottage

Builder: W.J. Mead, Fowlmere

This is one of the several Listed properties I have altered and extended around Cambridge. I always enjoy working with natural materials and it is rewarding to continue ancient crafts while endeavouring to accommodate the demands of 21^st century lifestyles.

Barn Conversion to Dwelling

RIBA spirit of Ingenuity award

Builder: Gary Hutton, Essex

The Listed Barn West of Cambridge was converted with a splendid Norfolk reed roof in place of corrugated iron. The exterior was clad in weatherboarding and the joinery was purpose made oak. Internal features include a spectacular helical stair imported from the USA, glass balustrading to the first floor gallery and underfloor heating. Outbuildings were repaired and a further barn converted to a 'Granny Annexe'.

Indoor Pool Extension, Essex

Builder: Fenland Bldg, Newmarket

Listed Building Consent was granted for the Pool extension beyond the existing Orangery, which was also refurbished. Previous experience prompted the use of an automatic pool cover to minimise humidity and condensation. Part of the brief was to minimise the use of chlorine. One of the conditions of the consent was a full archaeological dig, a challenge to not only the Architect and Contractor but also the Client who had to pay for it! Happily one of the finds inspired a feature in the decorative mosaic tilework. Background heating is provided by off-peak underfloor heating.

Barn Conversion, Kirtling Green

Builder: Steve Hicks, St Neots

This Victorian granary, built of brick and flint with a slate roof, sitting in an acre-and-a-half with extensive views over Suffolk countryside was a fantastic conversion opportunity for my own use and features several 'green features' such as solar hot water heating and rainwater collection. As a test bed for new ideas timber doors and windows were imported from Finland, slate flooring from S. Africa, helical stairs from the USA, a free-standing central fireplace from France and sea grass flooring from China; space heating includes underfloor and skirting hot water.

Victorian Gothic mansion

Builders: various

This 1860's mansion had been requisitioned as a convalescent hospital for US airmen during WWII and subsequently was divided into flats. We refurbished it for our family and rented out two self-contained flats as well as converting the Stables into a dwelling. We also added a Conservatory and tennis court, and converted the thatched summer house into my office.

Replacement dwelling, Barrington

Builder: Steve Hicks, St Neots

My South African born client sought a Cape-Dutch style home and after the inevitable fights with Planners and an Appeal finally got to build this elegant structure providing nearly 5,000sq.ft accommodation including a 1,300sq.ft basement. The joinery, kitchen cabinets, granite worktops and slate flooring were all sourced from S. Africa. Of technical interest is the use of 'thin-joint aircrete' masonry with an insulated external render, and a serious rainwater harvesting system that supplies all needs except drinking water. I am particularly proud of the 3-dimensional effects of double-height spaces and sources of light that can be seen in the views of the Gallery leading over the Kitchen/Dining area from the Master Bedroom to the Mezzanine Study, with eye catching views over the immaculate planting in the foreground, extensive vegetable plot further back and farmland beyond.

Reeve House, High Street, Hilton, Cambridgeshire

Builders: Steve Hicks, St Neots

This exciting new four-bedroomed dwelling has just been completed on a sensitive site opposite the Grade I Listed Hall. It has been constructed with a green oak frame sheathed in SIPS panels with part render, part locally produced handmade brick, plain and pantiles. A basement constructed with waterproof concrete provides extra living space. The oak frame provided opportunities for 'cathedral ceilings' in the living room and master suite. Rainwater is collected in a buried cistern and is used for flushing toilets and laundry. The OSMA pocketed polystyrene system provides underfloor heating to both the ground and first floors.

Listed Barn Conversion near Norwich

Builder: Glen Smith

We rescued this near-to-collapse Barn to give it a new lease of life: my client wanted to maintain the open-ness of the original structure and we developed mezzanine 'sleeping lofts' at each end while leaving the central spaces open to the roof. Reclained pitch pine flooring and the restored and exposed timber frame, together with the artists studio and rich collection of artefacts give the Barn a wonderful sense of place which, together with a meadow stretching down to the River, offer an unrivalled sense of peace and tranquillity, only 15m from Norwich.