Renovation & Extension to a fisherman's cottage

This cottage was originally built in the late 19th Century as a fisherman’s house on the edge of the Caledonian Canal. Throughout its lifespan the building had been extended to the seafront and altered internally. It was in a state of general dereliction when purchased by the clients and unsure whether it was a traditional cottage or 1970’s style Spanish villa with its red roof tiles and flat roofs.

The design process was complicated by its Conservation Area status, however the brief was simple – transform the building into a modern living space with three bedrooms, whilst maximising the views and sunsets to the south west.

The seafront informed the design with all living space orientated to the view in an open plan low extension allowing the upstairs rooms to look out over the roof to the view. The existing fabric of the house externally was renovated to better tie in with its conservation status with traditional materials, whilst the extended areas were treated to timber cladding and large areas of glazing. The result is a family home which whilst retaining the cottage style to the roadside is deceptively large.