A high-profile refurbishment project taking a remarkable, if gently neglected house and bringing it sensitively into the 21st century as a unique modern home for its new owner.

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The Quarry is one of a series of celebrated individual modernist houses designed by the renowned architectural practice of Morris & Steedman. Originally built in 1967, it was listed category B in 2014 in recognition of its regionally significant design and substantial survival of features.

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By the time my client purchased the house in 2023, however, many elements had reached the end of their lifespan and parts of the layout were no longer suited to modern living. Listed Building Consent was gained for a comprehensive programme of modernisation and refurbishment, working to an outline concept by the original architects.

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I took the consented proposals forward to Building Warrant and subsequently through to post-completion stage on site, working with client, contractor, specialist suppliers and the local authority to refine and develop the designs to create a comfortable modern home with the unique spirit of the original house preserved, while carefully renewing its fabric.

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A dramatic new dining kitchen open to the underside of the distinctive pitched roof replaces the former master suite downstairs, with new utility room in the old dressing space; meanwhile an underused dining room and narrow galley kitchen have become a new principal bedroom and ensuite. Upstairs, a small and outdated bathroom and separate toilet have been combined to create a luxurious shower room.

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Improving the energy performance and comfort for my client has been a key driver, with new internal insulation throughout, high-performance windows faithful to the original proportions, underfloor heating and solar PV panels within renewed roofs.