Meadow View is an exceptional extension and refurbishment in a scenic village of Leicestershire, completed by award-winning Winchester based architects AR Design Studio.

The clients desired a contemporary new build but lacked the budget for a full replacement. ARs approach therefore was to transform the rather unattractive house into what appears to be a new contemporary home without the expense of starting from scratch. Identifying what was useful to keep and what had to go in order to create the modern aesthetic and to keep on budget was the key to a successful outcome.

Perfectly positioned on its site, Meadow View implements innovative and cost-effective solutions to take full advantage of the stunning surroundings. Nestled on the edge of the village, the property overlooks the beautiful rolling hills to the south. These hills provide a picturesque backdrop that changes with the weather and seasons, offering a continuous source of animated tranquillity. Tall, dense hedges and trees frame the east and west, providing a private arrival via a driveway leading to the village.

Redesigning the massing was imperative to achieve this contemporary new build aesthetic. While using the original building volumes, the design simplifies them to be two distinct geometric blocks and introduces a third with a first-floor extension. Removing the pitched roofs developed an inexpensive contemporary aesthetic. Extensive glazing is cut into the old and new blocks, framing uninterrupted views of the southern rolling hills and flooding the house with natural light. This ensures a bright and airy atmosphere throughout the home and creates a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Inside, the house has been completely refurbished to exude the required modern feel. The existing spaces have been decluttered by removing walls, creating a large open plan kitchen, dining and living area. A double height atrium in this space opens the house to the light and provides an expansive modern space for the family to enjoy the views of the meadows.

The existing brickwork, while jarring in the existing house, was felt to have potential when paired with larch and again saved on costs when kept. Timber is used as the sole new material for the extension, blending the house with its verdant surroundings and providing a contemporary contrast to the brick. Often, construction materials can be costly and so by utilising minimal relatively inexpensive materials, the client saved a large sum of money while ensuring the house achieves cohesion and the appearance of a contemporary new build.

Polished concrete floors reflect light throughout the property while new timber ceilings and walls provide a warmth to the contemporary extension above. The existing rooms have been painted white to revitalise the spaces and retain cost effectiveness.

A beautiful timber deck matches the extension and wraps around the south of the house, offering a generous sunny space for family events and gatherings. The patio steps down to the garden, creating a harmonious transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The material choices for Meadow View were key to enhancing the existing house, providing a contemporary new-build aesthetic with minimal cost. The design aims to enhance the surrounding picturesque environment, and exemplify architecture’s ability to sit quietly and comfortably in its surroundings.

Completed in 2024, Meadow View stands as a testament to AR Design Studio's commitment to innovation, quality, and harmonious design. This project not only meets the needs of modern living but also respects and enhances its surroundings.

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Client Testimonial:

We were impressed that Andy and the team firstly listened and considered the way we wanted to live in the property before producing the designs. The team had a clear vision and were rightly uncompromising in their attention to detail during the build. We are very pleased with the final outcome and would definitely use AR Design again for any future modern property development.