This project involved the complete internal and external remodelling of an existing 1980s style property set within a five acre site in Alderley Edge. Since being purchased two years ago by our client, only superficial updates to the décor have been undertaken. As such, the property felt quite dated and was in need of a complete facelift.
The initial brief was relatively simple – to renovate the pool hall and add an extension to the kitchen. However, both the external and internal aspects of the house were rather outdated and the plans that were delivered by the architect, whilst delivering to the letter of the brief, did not extend to updating the external facades or reconfiguring the internal space planning. We felt that there was scope to elevate the property to the realms of a chic family home befitting its location. To that end, we produced layouts which challenged traditional thought processes and enabled our client to visualise what could be done with the space. Thus the brief evolved to encompass a full internal and external transformation of the house.
We initially focused on the broad architectural concept of the property which included updating the external fabric of the building and rationalising the room layouts. The detailed plans we proposed to the client opened up a raft of possibilities and allowed them to become enthusiastic about the home that could be delivered.
The property’s existing façade saw brickwork in red engineered brick leading up to a string course and above that a rather tired render, dated timber windows and concrete roof tiles. The aim was to revitalise the building, transforming it into a statement piece of architecture. How to achieve that without a complete rebuild was the first challenge we faced. Our proposals detailed a full render of the exterior whilst softening the look with a number of profiles in bath stone, namely, a band course, string course and parapet walls. New chimneys with charming decorative details were added and the roof re-skimmed with Spanish slate. The existing windows have been replaced with crittal style glazing, offering a contemporary take on a heritage look. The existing porch was at odds with the style of the house and so we proposed a simpler entrance crafted in a classic and elegant style. Where we were able to, we altered the positioning of the windows to create greater symmetry and increase the natural light within the property. We also adopted stone banding details around the windows, ensuring a natural look that organically blends into the façade of the building. Consideration was given to the minutest of details, including the introduction of evergreen planting in close proximity to the building, effectively anchoring it to the ground and creating the impression of a seamless union between the house and its surroundings.
The driveway was centrally repositioned allowing for arrival at the property at its most majestic vista. Continuing the journey around the side of the property, there is a deliberate change in tone with the more contemporary styled extension. The crittal windows of the front give way to spectacular high infinity glazed slider windows. The rear of the house is elevated and sits atop a plinth area which is dressed with ceramic decking. This outdoor living area offers the perfect space for entertaining and allows for a seamless indoor/outdoor feel. Careful and intelligent exterior space planning incorporates an outdoor dining area with integral herb garden and BBQ area.
Throughout the property we have adopted a palette of materials which have enabled us to successfully mesh the classic and contemporary styles. By adopting similar brushed brass finishes throughout the space, it ensures that each area bears a clear relation to the next. A limited colour palette was used throughout facilitating a seamless journey from the more traditional to the contemporary spaces. By utilising variations on colour tones we were able to create a five-star hotel feel with every room being unique yet offering an explicit point of reference.
Ascending to the first floor, our designers rationalised the layout to expediate a more natural and enjoyable flow through the space. We reconfigured the rooms to create dressing rooms and en suite bathrooms for each of the main bedrooms. The master suite extends over the new lounge space below and beyond glazed doors it boasts a private decked area. With glass balustrades allowing an uninterrupted view across the property’s land, it offers a tranquil oasis away from family life. The suite itself is styled with understated simplicity, the bedroom is designed with luxurious finishes whilst the dressing room is fitted with floor to ceiling cabinetry and displays. The space flows through to the master en suite which is designed in calming earthy tones. Both the floor and walls are swathed in ultra large format tiles which create the illusion that the space is hewn from rock. Adding to the atmosphere, feature niches are illuminated with LED lighting and additional halo lights are used to subtly alter the mood. This room was designed to heighten the senses and create a feeling of being at one with nature. Placement of a large picture window was central to the design concept. Our team collaborated with the architect to facilitate the precise placement of the feature window. This, in turn, allowed for the optimal positioning of the roll top bath, offering views of nature’s ever changing landscape. A feature steam shower with halo lighting and his and her vanity units complete the look.
Careful consideration was also given to the accommodation for family’s two daughters with the space altered to allow for dressing rooms and en suite bathrooms for each of them. The younger daughter, with a passion for pink, has a feature wall of blush pink tiles in a herringbone format in her bathroom, whilst the elder child enjoys the more muted tones of timber effect ceramics on the walls and floor. Sensitive contemplation of how a child may use the space led us to specify items such as round mirrors with back lighting to create a softer look and, with practicality also at the forefront of our minds, infrared sensors to the lights.
Returning to the ground floor, the transformation of the leisure space is a perfect example of what can be achieved with a healthy dose of creative thinking. The existing facility offered no more than a functional pool area with a feeling reminiscent of a municipal pool. It had no aesthetic appeal and added very little value to the property as a whole. We sought to create something totally unique with the existing shell. Glazed bifolding doors were added at the far end whilst one wall was crafted from stone render with an integral waterfall feature and the other was adorned with vertical slat timber panels crafted from Acoya. Used in this context the wood adds warmth to the space and creates a feel akin to an alpine spa. The pool itself features large format tiles which complement the coloured inset LED lighting allowing the tone of the space to be altered to fit the mood. Feature walls boast backlit semi-translucent stones which highlight reflections from the pool, bringing to mind an ethereal, underwater world. Continuing the journey through the space, the gym, sauna and steam room are styled in a similar vein.
This project demonstrates how lateral, creative thinking can transform the outcome for a client. Extensive 3d visualisations at the initial stages opened up the possibilities, enabling our client to visualise the type of home they could have. Ultimately this resulted in the transformation of a rather tired house into a showcase property befitting of its location.
Site clearing ready for landscaping to commence.
