Located within the picturesque Conservation Area in Dorchester, the Willowbeck project involves the thoughtful extension and internal remodelling of a late-1970s detached dwelling. The original property, while situated in a historic river valley setting, lacked the traditional architectural charm of its neighbouring buildings.
This proposal seeks to significantly enhance the dwelling’s visual contribution to the conservation area. The design introduces a new front porch, striking front and rear gables, and replaces the existing PVC windows with high-quality, grey-green powder-coated aluminium frames. The exterior will be finished in a sympathetic light beige render with a grounding red brick base, reflecting the local village vernacular.
Internally, the ground floor is transformed into a spacious, light-filled open-plan living area, featuring a large five-panel glazed rear door and a new flat-roof skylight to maximise natural daylight and views toward the River Piddle. The first floor is expanded to provide two additional bedrooms. The project also future-proofs the home with robust sustainability measures, including an air source heat pump, roof-mounted solar panels, and high-level insulation, creating a beautiful and highly energy-efficient family home.