The Miner's Cottages
by design storey
Client design storey
Awards RIBA South West Award 2017 and RIBA South West Conservation Award 2017
The Miner’s Cottages are a light touch renovation of two 18th century cottage located in a conservation area in the Somerset village of Pensford. Design Storey acted as architect and developer for the project and had a vision to reinstate the original configuration of the cottages and to create two dwellings appropriate for 21st century dwelling.
These buildings are not listed, though the cottages are in a quiet part of the village within a conservation area. The change to window proportions to the street; the removal of the garage and return of the building to two terraced houses are positive moves which have greatly enhanced the streetscape. At the rear a new kitchen diner is added to both cottages clad in narrow larch boards stained black reflecting the mining heritage of the buildings, and are both modern and economical, designed to capture the dramatic views of the chew valley viaduct and daylight.
The architects treated this project as if it were a listed building; researching its history and significance before implementing the designs. What historic detail there was, has been enhanced and preserved to bring out the real character of these charming properties setting an example to others in the village.
Removal of cement pointing and internally plastering the walls in lime has allowed these houses to breathe and removed damp issues that had plagued the houses. Old flags have been revealed from layers of concrete and original elm board left exposed on the first floor.
A multitude of finishes and textures were well conserved, whilst there is no written philosophy as the approach adopted it is very apparent that a great level of thought and consideration had gone into all the decision making to conserve and adapt these small historic cottages for 21st century occupation.
The budget demonstrates what can be achieved with a committed and talented team.
Contractor RW Jones Building
Structural Engineer Mann Williams
Internal Area 170 m²
