Gothic Cottage Reimagined with Oak Frame Extension

Developing the House Plans

Mark and his team spent a lot of time refining the design, working out the most sympathetic and effective solution to replace the 1970s extension. “We looked to the medieval houses in the Lincoln area, many of which have projecting bay windows featuring glass between the timber uprights,” he says. “So, we thought about inserting one of these bays between the gables of this building.”

The new extension would be north-facing, so clever detailing would be needed to make it as bright and airy as possible. “Facets on the facade make the oak frame addition appear more delicate, letting more light in and creating attractive shadows in oblique sunlight,” says Mark.

“The oak will weather to the greyish honey colour of the cottage’s stonework, too.” The old extension also had a small pop-up box to accommodate the staircase on the upper level. Daykin Marshall proposed replacing this with a ‘lantern’ built in the same way as the ground floor extension.

A new glass lantern extension has been added above the stairwell to bring in more light while

The new structures would be only slightly larger than the original addition. “Essentially this project isn’t about adding space, it’s about how the space is used,” says Mark. “The extension is just 17m2 and the whole cottage is around 83m2, which is the size of a two-bedroom flat. So, it was important to optimise the floorplan.”

Pamela and Richard submitted a heritage statement to support their planning and listed building consent applications, detailing the building’s history and their approach to the design. Combined with the proposed removal of the sub-standard 1970s extension, this helped to ensure approval was granted.

Read More: Planning Applications: What Do Council Planners Want?

Designing the Striking Structure

The new extension was made in close collaboration with Cowley Timber & Partners, a local firm with a national reputation for beautiful wooden structures – amongst them Oxford Chapel by Stirling Prize-winning architect Niall McLaughlin.

“Cowley’s workshop is only five miles away from here,” says Mark. “So, we got in touch, met with them and they were keen to take it on. Suddenly we had these brilliant fabricators on board, who made the extension in their workshop and built it on site.”

The cottage’s existing windows have been upgraded with slimline double glazing to provide improved performance while meeting listed building requirements

Exposed inside and out, the modern glulam oak frame is cut from a 3D computer model using CNC technology. “We could achieve the craftsmanship of medieval buildings using the precision of 21st century technology,” says Mark. “It came together on site perfectly, like a piece of Meccano. All the fixings are hidden and neat.”

Pamela and Richard commissioned local contractor to carry out all other elements of the build, such as laying the ground floor slab in the new extension, and completing the joinery. The existing cottage was also totally renovated, including rewiring, replumbing and the installation of a new bathroom.

The copper flat roof structure is a key feature – chosen for its aesthetic and huge longevity. It should last 100+ years, whereas standard plastic-based flat roofing materials might only offer a useful lifespan of around 25-30 years.

The cottage has two bedrooms and a large family bathroom that has replaced the third bedroom and small bathroom

Layout-wise, Old Four Row now features a stylish vestibule and kitchen-diner extension replacing the former lean-to’s kitchen and WC. This area links seamlessly into the traditional parlour living area within the main house.

More Inspiration: 12 Characterful Listed Home Extensions

The new staircase sits in the same position as the old, but now benefits from an upper-level glazed extension offering greater privacy than the previous light well. The vertical oak studs that carry the staircase and lantern above are exposed, with shelving set between them to create a place for books and ornaments. Upstairs there are two bedrooms and a bathroom (replacing a small third bedroom and pokey bathroom).

Improving the Home’s Efficiency

Richard and Pamela made a number of upgrades to the house’s performance. The new extension is triple glazed, while existing windows – including the distinctive neo-Gothic arches in the parlour – have been upgraded to narrow-gauge double glazing. The attic is now super-insulated, too, creating a cosy and sustainable living environment.

The cottage is off the mains gas grid, so the Marshalls were keen to run their home on renewables and had an assessment done. This revealed that solar panels would not be permitted, due to the building’s listed status, but they were able to go for a heat pump and underfloor heating throughout.

The striking design of the glazing contrasts neatly with the home’s period details, allowing light to fill spaces throughout the property while adding a statement feature

“We don’t have enough land to accommodate the collector loop for a ground source version, so we had to go for an air source heat pump (ASHP),” says Pamela. “This couldn’t be installed against the cottage due to the listing, so we’ve attached it to the summerhouse at the far side of the garden, via 15m of underground pipework.” There was a risk this could make the system less efficient, as the water has to travel a greater distance. “In fact, it works well: the earth is a great insulator, so performance is good,” says Pamela.

The couple still had to seek listed building consent for their ASHP. “A concern was flagged up that it could have a noise impact,” says Pamela. “We looked into it, and discovered there didn’t seem to be any legislation requiring a noise impact assessment. So, in the end, the local authority passed it without the assessment. We also had to get listed building consent for the woodburning stove.”

Learn More: Air Source Heat Pumps Explained

Creating a Home Fit for Modern Living

Pamela and Richard stayed in their former home whilst the works were taking place and eventually moved in 2019. “It’s not big, but it’s what we need, as there’s only two of us,” says Pamela. “Although only a couple of extra feet have been added, the whole space has been transformed with all this enveloping oak.

As it faces north, we get no direct sunlight, but it’s always bright, and feels so warm and cocooned. The timber interior finishes also give it a warmth.” Despite its compact nature, the extended house is nevertheless very functional. “We enjoy working in it,” says Pamela. “I like to get my sewing machine out in the dining area. It’s a lovely social space, too, and can easily accommodate six people for dinner.”

The entrance vestibule opens onto the living room, which boasts a heritage feel with its medieval style windows and tiled floors

This project was all about creating a home to retire to, and the couple are delighted with the results. “This is our last renovation, and we like being here,” says Pamela. “It’s a pretty cottage within a lovely community. We particularly like that it’s a 21st century house but with its strong historic neo-Gothic roots still intact. Part of your subliminal mind recognises the Gothic references in the design, and it resonates. It’s a lovely subtle touch.”

Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at these period renovation projects from Build It’s readers