Grove Lodge

Status: Completed / March 2024 - February 2025

Client: Private

Contractor: Collett Custom Homes

Photographs: Richard Chivers

Location: Deal, Kent.

"We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us"

A Harmonious Fusion: Redefining Tradition in Modern Architecture

The front of the house, facing on to the main road, is composed of two gables and a wide central pitched roof. Windows have a slightly quirky layout that reflect the Arts & Craft style.

The elevations are finished in white painted rough cast render.

The rear of the house shares these values. At each end of the building, the roof pitch sweeps down from the ridge of the gables to high level ground floor.

The vision behind this project harmonises with the residence's original character, while infusing a contemporary lightness through expansive windows, elegantly glazed doors, and strategically placed rooflights. This dialogue between traditional architecture and modern clarity enhances the home's liveability, inviting in natural light and promoting a fluid connection with the outdoors.

A standout feature of the design lies within the new roofing, echoing the main house's 45-degree pitch and adorned with classic clay tiles. A thoughtful adjustment to the roofline in front of Bedroom 3 introduces two rooflights that frame picturesque views of the garden, transforming it into a unique architectural hallmark.

In a sophisticated nod to the original structure, the walls of the new extension are finished in white-painted brick, skilfully bridging the old with the new.

The existing house underwent meticulous refurbishment, where each detail—from fittings to surfaces—was restored or upgraded with care. This exquisite attention to detail not only preserved the original charm but also introduced a contemporary flair.

Central to the project was the clients' commitment to sourcing locally crafted finishes and fittings, culminating in a vibrant tapestry of colour and texture. The result is a captivating blend of salvaged artifacts, vintage lighting, and artisanal craftsmanship, emphasizing locality and the beauty of handcrafted design.

The newly conceived extensions have emerged as the heart of the home, effortlessly linking the interior to the garden beyond. In this open-plan configuration, summer evenings transform the space into a seamless paradise, with the patio serving as an extension of the living area—a perfect setting for gatherings under the warm glow of twilight.

In redefining the boundaries of tradition, this architectural endeavour skilfully merges the old with the new, creating a residence that tells a story of place, purpose, and a harmonious future.