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21st Century living

21st Century Living

Figura built this house in 1982 as part of a farmyard conversion scheme. Figura was recently asked to extend it in a way appropriate to the 21st century.

The clients requested an overtly contemporary building, which, at the same time, blended in with the original development.

The extension is constructed to the highest level of energy conservation, while maximising contact with the terrace, garden and the views beyond.

The super-insulated roof is covered in recycled zinc with a lifespan measured in centuries.

It is supported by trusses made from galvanised steel, wire rope and polished stainless steel yacht fittings.

This steel structure creates a light and airy contemporary interior and the glazed ridge brings sun into the building all day long, in spite of the glass wall and views being to the North.

Fulbourn

Fulbourn

This conservatory extension to an existing bungalow replaced an earlier conservatory.  The bungalow is occupied by a person confined to a wheelchair and the existing conservatory was both too narrow and on a different level to that of the rest of the house, making it impossible for the occupant to use the house fully.

This extension created a level floor throughout the whole house and opens out onto decking and ramps, giving wheelchair access to the whole property and to the swimming pool.  This has been transformational for the life of the occupant.

Ickleton

Ickleton

This small extension is a conservatory, which wraps around the rear and side of an early C20 semi-detached house.  At the corner of the house, it transforms into a toilet and utility room, becoming a glazed carport beside the house and finally a pergola, over which a large existing wisteria will ramble.

The extension creates a transition down the side of the house, through pergola and carport to the conservatory. This conservatory has opened up the rear of the existing, rather dark kitchen and has created a natural connection to the small rear garden.

The whole extension was prefabricated off-site out of western redcedar, which is full of natural preservatives and requires no maintenance.

Moat House