Arts & Crafts House Case Study

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Modern tiled extension on Cotswolds cottage

Case study

Arts & Crafts House

Adapting a traditional 1950s Cotswolds building to create a contemporary addition using wienerberger's bespoke handmade roof tiles

For the renovation of this traditional 1950s Cotswolds Building, wienerberger’s Heritage Service was selected to design and create bespoke roof tiles for a project that evokes the aesthetics of the Arts & Crafts era.

Every roof tile was handmade with the quality craftsmanship of Sandtoft, who adapt materials and techniques to fit to the distinct look and feel associated with the appropriate period and geography. This beautifully renovated property, with a contemporary tile clad pavilion extension, was featured on Channel 4’s new programme, ‘Best Laid Plans’ presented by Charlie Luxton.

Aerial view of modern extension on 1950s Cotswolds house

Hedge in front of modern vertical tiled extension on traditional house

Traditional Cotswolds cottage with modern vertical tiled extension on side

Aerial view of Cotswolds cottage with modern extension

Architects Lydia Robinson and Lawrence Grigg, from Design Storey, faced several practical and aesthetic challenges. Not only did the renovation of the house need to create a usable space and add bespoke features, but it also needed to complement the exciting architecture whilst adapting the façade of the vertical wall tiles and roof. This was particularly challenging as every external surface was clad in tile, from the roof to the walls. Furthermore, it was vital that the colour of the new roof complemented the existing palette of materials of Cotswold stone walls and concrete tiled roofs.

To meet these challenges, wienerberger’s Heritage Service was selected to design and create bespoke handmade roof tiles for the project which evoked the arts and crafts heritage of the area.

Exterior of modern extension with vertical tiling using bespoke handmade tiles

"Every roof tile was handmade with the quality craftsmanship of Sandtoft,

who adapt materials and techniques to fit to the distinct look and feel associated with the appropriate period and geography."

By forming a strong working partnership with the architects, wienerberger was able to deliver not only a better quality of product, but a better quality of service for a project that everyone can be proud of.

To visually demonstrate the concept to the architects wienerberger’s Heritage Service Manager and one of the Master Craftsman of Sandtoft created a mock roof section in the factory. This enabled the craftsmen to design the bespoke fittings for the new contemporary addition and match the special requirements of the project’s aesthetic.

wienerberger Heritage Service Manager Nigel Dyer commented, “We are delighted with the building. Through creating bespoke roof tiles, we were able to provide the perfect solution for Lawrence and Lydia, to ensure the natural look and feel of the building was maintained. Clay is ideal to develop and create with, and the remit could not be achieved with any other material. The project was a great collaboration between the architects, the factory and everybody in the Heritage Services Team.”