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Reimagining a Historic Coach House

Originally built in 1890, this traditional coach house has been meticulously reconstructed to retain its historic charm while meeting modern-day building standards. With single-skin brickwork and original slate roofing, the design pays homage to its past by preserving and reusing as many materials as possible—balancing aesthetics, sustainability, and practicality. The project involved dismantling the original structure, laying new foundations, and rebuilding the shell on its original rectangular footprint. The goal? To create a bright, open family home tailored to modern living. Central to the design is a striking staircase that connects the living area to the upper floors, inspiring the concept of a bridge that seamlessly links the master bedroom suite with the children’s rooms. As the architect, Des, explains: “Watching people moving about the house creates a totally different dynamic, as well as opening up the space vertically.” To maintain comfort in such an open-plan design, soundproofing was a priority. A pre-cast concrete first floor was installed, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere throughout. For year-round versatility, a sliding screen allows the expansive living and dining areas to be divided into cozy spaces during the colder months. Meanwhile, the south-facing side of the house is transformed by extensive glazing, including three sets of hardwood patio doors that open into the tranquil courtyard, flooding the interiors with natural light. This reconstruction beautifully combines old-world craftsmanship with modern innovation. By thoughtfully merging traditional materials with contemporary design elements, this coach house offers the best of both worlds—a historic structure reimagined for modern family life.