In this second phase of work on the Grade II listed Old Bank House in Aylsham, North Norfolk, our focus was on the rear of the narrow site, which featured an aging conservatory and an original lean-to. The lean-to suffered from persistent leaks, while the conservatory, like many of its kind, was plagued by extreme temperature fluctuations—overheating in the summer and being too cold in the winter.
Our task was to design a new bedroom space to replace the conservatory and transform the area beneath the lean-to into a multifunctional space that would serve as a sewing area, home office, and downstairs shower room. Given the constrained site, we had to employ creative solutions to maximize the use of space, including devising an appropriate roofing system for the complex geometry involved.
We selected natural zinc as the roofing material, appreciating its ability to be shaped over intricate forms while preserving the historical integrity of the building. The zinc develops a natural grey patina over time, subtly complementing the heritage character of the property. The craftsmanship involved in the zinc work was remarkable, with each piece meticulously folded to achieve the desired effect.
For the external walls, we chose locally sourced Douglas fir, painted with black barn paint, to create a cohesive aesthetic. The use of Crittall French doors and feather-edge cladding further tied together the Phase 1 and Phase 2 extensions, creating a harmonious connection between the two ends of the building.
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