Sometimes it is the projects with the tightest site constraints which are the most rewarding. This scheme was an exercise in creating a versatile, compact, bolt-hole for city living within walking distance of Hereford City Centre. The clients purchased the derelict former coach house at auction, after falling for its charms. Sited at the rear of a larger Victorian townhouse, the building was found as a shell, with minimal external site extents beyond the footprint of the four existing walls.

Maximising the available space, the design approach sought to create a flowing, open plan series of connected rooms on the ground floor, linking to individual courtyard gardens at the front and rear. The layout allows for fluid use of the space throughout the day with the two courtyards capturing sunlight at differing times, connected back to living, dining and cooking functions.

Upstairs, the accommodation provides a well appointed bedroom and en suite bathroom. Within the downstairs double height living room extension, the client were keen to ensure the space could double up as an occasional bedroom with a full size concealed double bed ready to unfold to accommodate extra friends and family .

Key design features include the use of an oak batten faced curved wall with concealed jib door, serving to articulate the interior space whilst hiding a wetroom and utility store cupboard from view. This feature wall leads to the bespoke Oak staircase with integrated storage & wine rack. The profiled toughened glass sheet is installed as a single piece and bolted from above to avoid use of fixing brackets, accentuating the crisp stepped stringer profile.

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Project completed whilst Project Architect at R.R.A.