Writer's House

The Writer's House: A Thoughtful Synthesis of Old and New in Winchester

AR Design Studio is delighted to introduce The Writer’s House, a masterful contemporary extension and sensitive refurbishment of a classic three-storey Victorian villa in Winchester, completed in 2024. With an emphasis on maximizing space, embracing natural light, and maintaining a mindful budget, this project highlights the seamless integration of modern design within a traditional context.

A Subtle, Elegant Extension

The rear extension is an exercise in understated elegance. A single-storey volume stretches from the original structure, reaching deep into the expansive garden beyond. The rear façade features an expanse of tall, sleek glazing with impressively slim mullions, flooding the interior with natural light and offering unobstructed views of the lush greenery. This elegant glazing mirrors the tall Victorian windows of the original house, creating a subtle dialogue between old and new. The minimalist form of the extension honours the aesthetic goals of the project, maintaining a cost-effective approach while creating a harmonious connection to the Victorian villa’s delicate craftsmanship.

Embracing Height and Light

A key challenge of the project was to integrate a contemporary extension within the traditional framework of the Victorian home. The solution came in the form of high, three-meter ceilings that match the grandeur of the existing rooms, reinforcing the sense of space and light throughout the home. The large rooflight between the new extension and the original house allows daylight to cascade from above, casting dynamic shadows and creating a sculptural interplay of light and form within the space below.

Further enhancing the sense of openness, the existing rear wall has been opened up, creating two large reveals that not only flood the interior with light but also create a spacious, open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. Here, the period charm of the home meets the contemporary flow of modern living, offering the best of both worlds.

Where Contemporary Meets Tradition

At the junction between the new extension and the original structure, AR Design Studio has fused modernist minimalism with the distinctive period detailing of the Victorian villa. Traditional cornicing and ceiling roses remain intact, offering a nod to the home's history, while the extension's sleek white finishes create a harmonious, contemporary backdrop. The space has been designed with a light touch, keeping the palette minimal and incorporating softer-toned modern furnishings that evoke the atmosphere of a Victorian country home, bridging the gap between the old and the new.

Materials That Speak to the Past and Present

The material palette plays a crucial role in creating a respectful balance between the contemporary extension and the original Victorian villa. A soft grey brick exterior contrasts with a white microcement fascia, offering a modern reinterpretation of the building’s traditional fabric. The simplicity of the materials, combined with a restrained approach to their use, ensures that the extension remains both cost-effective and visually striking.

Inside, the seamless transition from the extension to the garden is achieved through a continuation of the tiled floor finish, which extends outward to a patio and dining area. This creates a cohesive inside-outside connection, making the garden an integral part of the living space. The sweeping views of the green space enhance the sense of tranquillity, offering a serene backdrop that draws the eye to nature and further blurs the line between the home and its surroundings.

A Balanced Approach to Modern Living

The Writer’s House stands as a testament to the thoughtful integration of modern design within a historical framework. Through a careful selection of materials, light, and form, AR Design Studio has created a home that embraces the charm of its Victorian roots while offering all the benefits of contemporary living. The result is a carefully curated space that balances elegance, functionality, and aesthetic sensitivity, creating a harmonious living environment for its inhabitants.