Issue 47 JUNE - Flipbook - Page 73
The landscape has also been representative of our
approach to conservation and creative repair, removing a
sea of tarmac and creating a more sensitive landscape
using reclaimed materials wherever possible.
Our work has turned the old driveway into a gentle series
of cobble steps that rise towards the front of the house,
forming a gentle promenade to the front door. The gentle
arc of each step has been compared by the client to a smile
that welcomes them home every day. A new entrance
provides level access for cars at the top of the site, stopping
them dominating the landscape and making the house
and planting the star of the show.
“We chose CE+CA as they shared the same passion, outlook and attention to detail as us. The house had high
ceilings, hidden fireplaces and solid doors but so much
had been stripped away. And being a house of local townscape merit, it was important to choose an architect with
a proven track record for a sympathetic approach. Together we redesigned and repurposed the house from a
rundown 9-bedroom ex boarding house to one of beauty
and ambition.”
Client 2024
The rear courtyard is now planted with Mediterranean
plants that make the most of this little sun trap and
provide privacy between the dining space and the former
coach house which has now been converted into a
separate ‘meanwhile’ space.
To the south of the house, a series of steps and terraces
break down the large level change. Each space has its own
character, space for dining and entertaining, space for
boule, or to sit and contemplate the garden from benches
built into the wall or even a hidden hot tub. The integrated planting beds change in character as the journey
progresses from house to garden, reinforcing the nature
of each space. The stone walling reuses material from the
original house and garden, instantly settling the new walls
into the site.
“The judges felt that the quality of the refurbishment and
extension of this Victorian Villa was exceptional.”
Nicola Rutt, Head Judge,
2024 Sheffield Design Awards
Landscape design
Petronella House used to sit within a much larger plot
that had been subdivided over the years. The result was
a that the approach to the house was dominated by a sea
of tarmac, accessed via a steep and lumpy driveway. The
courtyard to the rear of the house was little more than a
service space and the large lawns to the south of the house
were cut off by a terrace and tall retaining wall. The Client
is a passionate gardener and a strong relationship between
house and garden was at the heart of the project. CE+CA
worked closely with the client to develop a new, yet
sympathetic revisioning of a Victorian landscape fit for
modern family life.
“The external area needed to be given as much attention
and was another reason for choosing CE+CA with their
landscape credentials. I don’t think we could have
anticipated how beautiful their design for the smiling steps
leading from the road could be. Nor did we anticipate the
effect this renovation would have on our community. So
many people stop to admire and congratulate us, sharing
that they have loved watching its progress unfold.”
Client 2024
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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