Neil Dusheiko Architects has crafted a remarkable residential extension in Cambridgeshire, seamlessly integrating a Grade-II* listed Gothic church into the design. This project, named Church House, is a testament to the studio's ability to create harmonious architectural compositions that blend old and new. The extension serves as a quiet dialogue between the historic church and the contemporary home, offering a unique spatial experience.
The key to this project's success lies in its thoughtful approach to design. Neil Dusheiko, the studio director, aimed to create a composition that brings together three distinct entities: the main home, the coach house, and the church. By reconfiguring the layouts, openings, and material palette, the architects have achieved a gentle dialogue between these spaces, both within the garden and across the sky. This approach is particularly fascinating as it showcases the studio's ability to respect the existing environment while creating a new, modern space.
One of the most striking features of the extension is the large picture window that frames the Gothic church. This window not only provides a stunning view but also serves as a focal point for the entire design. The use of pale brickwork and oak beams in the interior further ties the new spaces to the existing home and the church hall, creating a sense of continuity and unity. The sunken dining area, with its large-format glazing and intimate ceiling height, is a defining moment in the design, offering a unique and specific space that is completely attuned to its setting.
The extension also allowed for the reconfiguration of the home's original plan. The living spaces are organized at the front, while the first-floor layout remains largely unchanged, with the addition of a new ensuite bathroom for the main bedroom. This thoughtful approach to the layout ensures that the home feels both modern and connected to its historic surroundings.
The adjacent coach house has been transformed into a flexible playroom, studio, and garden room, further enhancing the project's versatility. The use of the same oak joinery in the coach house as in the main home creates a sense of cohesion and unity, while the built-in window seats on the first floor offer a unique perspective of the garden and church.
Neil Dusheiko's studio has a proven track record of creating innovative and thoughtful residential projects. Previous works, such as the extension in Kent with a minimal glazed pavilion and the charred-timber extension in London, showcase the studio's ability to create spaces that are both modern and connected to nature. Church House is a prime example of the studio's talent, offering a unique and captivating architectural experience that is rooted in its setting.
In my opinion, this project is a masterpiece of architectural design. The seamless integration of the church into the extension is a testament to the studio's skill and vision. The use of materials and spaces is particularly fascinating, as it creates a sense of continuity and unity that is rarely seen in contemporary architecture. The project raises a deeper question about the relationship between old and new in architecture, and it is a question that I believe will continue to inspire and challenge architects in the years to come.
