Made of Sand

Award-Winning Timber and Glass Extension to a Devon Stone Cottage

Contemporary Timber and Glass Extension in Devon

This award-winning two-storey timber and glass extension transforms a traditional stone cottage in Devon into a stunning contemporary artist's retreat. Designed by Studio Weave, the project was created to maximise the connection between the home and its surrounding landscape while embracing sustainable design principles.

By combining natural timber materials with expansive structural glazing, the extension creates a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering uninterrupted views of the Devon countryside.

 

Products Used

Featured In

Finalist in AJ Architecture Awards 2023 under £500k.

2023 RIBA South West & Wessex Award winner
Small Project of the Year

Archdaily, Architecture Today, Dezeen, Wallpaper, Shortlisted for the AJ retrofit Awards 2023 and RIBA South West Awards 2023.

Archdaily
Dezeen

Project Partners

Architect: Studio Weave

Photography: Jim Stevenson

 

 

 

Location

Axminster Devon

Project Overview

Located in Devon, this unique residential extension demonstrates how modern architecture can complement and enhance traditional buildings. The carefully designed addition respects the original stone cottage while introducing a bold, contemporary aesthetic through the use of exposed timber and frameless glass.

The design prioritises natural light, panoramic views, and a strong connection to nature, creating a tranquil space for creativity and relaxation.

Sustainable Timber Construction

A key element of the project's sustainability strategy was the honest expression of materials and minimisation of unnecessary construction elements. The structure exposes its timber framework both internally and externally, reducing material consumption while celebrating natural craftsmanship.

Internally, exposed Douglas Fir forms the roof structure and wall battens, creating warmth, texture, and character throughout the extension. The timber construction provides a striking contrast to the clean lines of the glazing while maintaining a cohesive architectural language.

 

 

Western Red Cedar Cladding

The exterior of the extension is clad in Western Red Cedar, chosen for both its durability and evolving appearance. As the timber naturally weathers over time, it develops an attractive silver-grey patina that helps the building blend harmoniously with the surrounding woodland setting.

This natural ageing process softens the contrast between the contemporary extension and the traditional stone cottage, allowing the new structure to sit comfortably within its rural environment.

Frameless Glazing and Architectural Detailing

A large frameless structural glass window dominates much of the first floor, delivering expansive views and maximising natural daylight. Carefully integrated into the timber framework, the glazing creates a clean, minimalist appearance that enhances the contemporary design.

Vertical timber fins are positioned across the external face of the glass façade, providing solar shading while adding depth and architectural interest. These elegant design features visually connect the upper and lower levels of the extension and reinforce the rhythm of the timber structure.

Industry Recognition and Awards

The timber and glass extension has received widespread acclaim within the architectural industry for its innovative design and sensitive approach to a rural retrofit project.

The project has been featured in several leading architectural publications and was shortlisted for numerous prestigious awards, including the RIBA Awards and AJ Retrofit Awards.

Its achievements culminated in winning the 2023 RIBA South West & Wessex Award and being named Small Project of the Year, recognising its exceptional architectural quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

 

Technical Details

  • Bespoke frameless strucural glass corner window- 85m2
  • Low E coating to improve thermal efficiency
  • Toughened safety glass
  • Timber shading fins
  • Structural silicone glazed junctions
  • Western Red Cedar extenral cladding

Glass Solutions for Timber Extension Projects

This Devon extension demonstrates how structural glazing and natural timber can be combined to create contemporary spaces that are both visually striking and environmentally conscious.

Whether you're planning a modern extension, a timber-framed home, or a bespoke renovation, expertly designed glazing can maximise natural light, improve views, and strengthen the connection between architecture and landscape.

Contact IQ Glass to learn more about the glazing solutions used in this award-winning project or to discuss your own timber and glass extension.

Associated Products

Frameless Windows at Claywood by IQ Glass

Frameless Windows

Frameless picture windows are the perfect solution for achieving a minimalist design that maximises visibility

an oriel window on white render house

Oriel Windows

Bespoke frameless window boxes created using structural glazing and the Invisio fixing system.

Corner Windows

Corner Windows

Perfect for achieving an uninterrupted, minimalist appearance with maximum light ingress

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