The Beeches, South Cambridgeshire, is a stunning detached Victorian residence dating from the 1880s, set within 9 acres of mature gardens and woodlands in a local conservation area. The house features a distinctive orange/red brick façade accented with striking half-timbering and intricate timber detailing. Steeply pitched roofs clad in red terracotta tiles, adorned with decorative ridge cresting, define the silhouette of the house. Ornamental ridge finials — including dragons and birds — lend further character and charm to the historic architecture.

 

Snell David collaborated closely with the client to design a contemporary new extension that complements the existing house while providing modern facilities for a new swimming pool. It was essential for the extension to remain subservient to the original building, yet establish its own identity, reflecting the property’s evolution over time. The extension’s primary material, the Petersen Cover Tile, was chosen to harmonise with the orange/red brick of the main house, while elegant Corten steel fins accent the edges with a refined contrast. A slim, glazed flat-roof link connects the extension to the existing structure, creating a distinct separation between old and new, and respectfully preserving the architectural integrity of the original house.

 

The house and its new extension now sit comfortably within the existing and newly crafted landscaped grounds, demonstrating careful planning and thoughtful consideration of their location and form.