Weavers Down
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Weavers Down Lodge planning was commissioned in February 2015 and granted in April 2016. The brief was to design a compact 3 bed ‘upside down house’ to exploit the views and to make best use of the beauty of the oak frame. Planning restrictions were tough and the new structure had to fall within well-defined limitations as to total floor area and height.
The structure is in 3 bays with the central bay forming the hall and stair well. Bedroom 1 only is en-suite due to space restriction, hence bedrooms 2 and 3 share a bathroom. A discussion with the planners took place as to whether the porch should be included in the space calculations or not! We were able to convince them that this would be an acceptable exception.
The upper floor is entirely open plan with a compact kitchen diner on one side of the stairwell and a lounge with wood burning stove on the other. Views across the stairwell give a feeling of spaciousness that belies the fact that the building is only 10.8 x 6.7 metres overall. The balcony will be a wonderful feature of the new dwelling, greatly assisting in creating more space when weather allows the sliding folding doors to be opened to utilise the large deck area.
The structure is storey and a half to as much as possible reduce the height of the building overall. Dormers to both south west and north east elevations give good headroom where it really matters. Note the small flat roof section over the landing in the central bay to allow good access through.
3D visuals help the clients to get a good feel for what the upper living space might really be like. We have avoided having to have stub ties in the frame trusses through introduction of truss posts at the collars.
“"We wanted to write to you to express our profound gratitude for the excellent work you have done on our building scheme. It cannot have been easy to pick up the project from another architect when there were still a number of issues unresolved, but you have done so brilliantly and remained calm throughout, even at fraught times. We really do appreciate that you have gone the extra mile for us. We have all enjoyed working with you and have been so impressed with the quality of your work."
Alastair, The Early Years Project
“"Just to say that it looks fabulous, and all who survey it are wonder-struck. Best wishes and many thanks to you all."
Simon, National Trust
“"I wanted to drop you a quick note to show my appreciation for your guys efforts today; they were a pleasure to have around the house and worked hard to get the frame up today."
Paul, Contracts Manager
“"Just a quick note to say thank you for sending such a great team to do the work. As well as clearly being very hardworking and hugely skilled, Mick, Andy, Clark and Dave were all exceptionally pleasant, considerate and cheerful guys to have around, and as such a huge credit to Green Oak."
Julia, Crabfields Farm
“"Seems a long time since we finished with the garden room project but we have to say that it has been a huge success in every aspect. The room has become the place of choice for visitors. I can guarantee that everyone, yes everyone who visits, is blown away by the frame."
Mel, Moat Farm