Our client is an arts centre, constrained by their existing capacity, with a strong desire to increase their accessibility and presence in the city centre. The media centre is part of the arts centre: a teaching hub that provides professional facilities for local digital artists, animators and filmmakers.

The latest phase of the project is focused on re-building the media centre. The effect of the building on its area is profound, and we consider that any changes that are made should be done so with full regard to context and potential in that part of Exeter City and beyond.

Designed over 4 storeys, advantage is made of the sloping site to build a wine cellar below a new ground floor with split level Kitchen and dining area.

The first and second floors jut out over the garden, as may be seen in the 3D image, and the heavy mass of their brickwork appears to float above the glazed ground floor.

The design was developed in close consultation with the clients, using drawings, models and 3d model movies. Analysis of the shading effects was carried out to answer questions that were raised at the planning stage, and permission was granted without a committee meeting being necessary.

Work on site has started and walls and structure are rising from the ground. I will post progress pictures and you can check my blog for more detail!

The open plan, split level kitchen and dining rooms take shape in September 2011.

The extension as of March 2012- crisp detail and brickwork disguise the scale - it is big.

The Wine cellar during construction. The formwork is a specialist type to create a fair-face concrete finish inside.

An orthogonal drawing of a stair - dimensioned for construction

3D visuals of a stair - note the risers are replaced by bicycle spokes - open risers would not be permissible, but this design allows light to penetrate and would create intricate shading effects

In the event, this particular stair will not be commissioned for this job, but the staircase is a complete entity, and the ideas that are developed in its design will live another day.

Meanwhile, internal spaces are taking shape beautifully, including the stair well itself:

The stairwell connecting first floor to top storey. The new rooflight throws natural light down in the centre of the house very effectively.

The top storey has plaster and paint on the walls, and the new office is turning out so well, it is at risk of being co-opted in to a bedroom.

This will be a wonderful office - or perhaps a bedroom??

The kitchen / dining / lounge area, divided by level changes, curved walls and other devices is tantalising: enclosure and construction is nearly complete, and we just want to see those finishes!

Structural columns, sunken lounge, curved walls, huge glazed areas, this house has it all!

External detailing is crisp and considered - check the sloping brick cill - hand cut on site. Velfac windows are beautifully simple, as are the thin overhanging eaves.

And so we soldier on. Sometimes it feels like it is taking forever, ( it’s not) but like all good things, it will be well worth waiting for..

Having renovated their traditional farmhouse to become a modern home, the client was looking to extend their living space but converting an adjacent outbuilding. Earlier works refurbished the farmhouse to a crisp finish. The barn conversion had to hit a similar contemporary note, and the two buildings were linked by a new hall, constructed from a palette of modern contrasting materials; timber, white render and glass, and the barn has been opened up with extensive windows looking out to the countryside.

The new hall was also presented a new front door, emphasised and celebrated by the a cranked bridge over a pool. High quality finishes are employed throughout, and contemporary, simple detailing constructed from hand made timber joinery, robust galvanized rainwater goods and the like.

This scheme won the Local Authority South West’s award for best home extension in 2010.