Post-redesigning, post-gutting, post-remodeling, the home is unrecognizable. It’s hard to imagine that the gracious compound of modern-rustic structures in rural Cotswold was once a forlorn ranch-style house. But if you look closely, you’ll see that the original single-story building is still there, albeit spiffed up and augmented.
“The story behind the house is very much about it being a retrofit rather than a new build,” says Henrietta Smart, the project’s lead architect and a proponent of salvaging over scrapping. “We’re trying to work with existing buildings to keep the carbon footprint as low as possible, rather than knocking them down and starting again,” she tells us of Charlie Luxton Design, where she works.
The owners of the home, a young couple with kids, were fortunately also interested in preserving what they could of the old building while expanding its size and elevating its design. And after a cost analysis of “tear-down and rebuild” versus “retrofit and remodel” yielded comparative budgets, they were completely on board with Henrietta’s’ vision for a sensitive conversion.
Below, the remarkable transformation of a dated bungalow into a modern rural retreat.
Photography by Ed RS Aves, courtesy of Charlie Luxton Design.
For more sensitive renovations, see:
- The Lavender Ghost: In the Hudson Valley, a Creative Couple’s Victorian Home with an Old Soul
- ‘The Simple Truth’: An Architect’s Historically Respectful Retreat in Provincetown
- Two for One: A Courtyard Connects Old and New in a San Francisco Home by Architect Ryan Leidner
Frequently asked questions
Who is Charlie Luxton?
Charlie Luxton is an architect and TV presenter in the UK.
What is the Lamorna bungalow in Cotswold?
The Lamorna bungalow is a renovation project undertaken by Charlie Luxton in Cotswold, which has transformed a dated bungalow into a beautiful and contemporary living space.
What was the inspiration behind the Lamorna bungalow renovation project?
The inspiration behind the Lamorna bungalow renovation project was to create a sustainable and eco-friendly living space that blends seamlessly with its surroundings.
What were the major changes made to the Lamorna bungalow?
The major changes made to the Lamorna bungalow include adding a first floor and a green roof, replacing the windows and doors with energy-efficient alternatives, and installing a new heating system and insulation to make the house more energy-efficient.
How long did it take to complete the renovation project?
The renovation project took approximately 18 months to complete.
What kind of sustainable materials were used in the renovation project?
Sustainable materials such as locally sourced timber, natural insulations, and recycled materials were used in the renovation project.
What kind of energy-efficient systems were installed in the Lamorna bungalow?
The Lamorna bungalow features an air-source heat pump, solar thermal panels, and a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, making it more energy-efficient.
What did the renovation project aim to achieve?
The renovation project aimed to achieve a sustainable and eco-friendly living space that has a strong connection to its natural surroundings.
Where can I see more photos and information about the Lamorna bungalow renovation project?
You can see more photos and information about the Lamorna bungalow renovation project on the Remodelista website.
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