Nether Heage

Private Client, Nether Heage

These idyllic stone built cottages located in north Derbyshire, where originally connected with a single internal opening at ground floor level, leaving the first floors accessed via two separate staircases. The brief emphasised the need to remodel the internal spaces and open up the two properties whilst connecting them with a central circulation stairwell, creating a coherent layout. The design takes reference from the surrounding views and sun paths where used to locate the best location of the new centralised stairwell. Foremost in our minds was the need to use local materials which were both sustainable and sympathetic to the cottages. The majority of the stonework came from the new internal door opening in the 400mm thick walls, and other stonework that was found in the garden. The form of the new lobby reflects the adjacent gable end of the cottage, with the glass expanse positioned to maximise natural light into the existing buildings and ensure a degree of privacy at night.