In the West Lavington and Littleton Panell Conservation Area of Wiltshire, England, YARD Architects completed the full refurbishment and extension of a large brick Victorian house. The project combines historic character with a bold contemporary addition, giving the home a completely new relationship with the surrounding countryside.
The clients wanted more space for modern living, particularly an open-plan area that could make the most of the vineyard and valley views behind the property. The result is a striking rear extension that feels modern without ignoring the original architecture of the home. From the outside, the contrast between the traditional brick house and the dark geometric extension immediately catches attention.
A Playful Twist on Traditional Rooflines
One of the most eye-catching elements of the project is the extension’s sculptural roof design. The architects created a playful reinterpretation of the pitched roofs already found on the Victorian house, giving the new addition a strong architectural identity while still linking it to the older structure.
Clad in black zinc, the extension stands out against the warm brick exterior of the original home. The dark material gives the building a sharp and contemporary appearance, especially when viewed from the garden. The angular roof forms create movement and variety, turning what could have been a simple extension into a feature that defines the entire project.
Opening the Home to the Countryside
Large folding doors stretch across the rear of the extension, allowing the living spaces to open directly onto the outdoor deck area. During warmer months, the boundary between indoors and outdoors almost disappears, creating an easy flow between the house and the surrounding landscape.
Natural light plays a huge role throughout the extension. Generous windows frame views of the vineyards and valley while bringing sunlight deep into the interior. Even on overcast days, the open-plan spaces feel bright and airy, with the countryside becoming part of the everyday experience inside the home.
Pitched Roofs Shape the Interior Spaces
Inside the extension, the dramatic roof forms remain exposed, adding height and character to the open-plan interior. Each pitched roof helps define a different zone within the space below, creating separation without the need for walls.
One roof shelters the dining area, giving it a more intimate atmosphere, while the second frames the living space. A suspended fireplace becomes the focal point of the lounge area, positioned to overlook the garden beyond. The combination of soaring ceilings, natural light, and modern finishes gives the extension a warm but contemporary feel.
Alongside the new extension, the existing Victorian house was also refurbished and reorganised. Parts of the property now accommodate bed and breakfast spaces, allowing the historic home to serve multiple purposes while maintaining its original character.
The project shows how modern architecture can sit alongside traditional buildings without feeling disconnected. By repeating familiar roof shapes in a more contemporary way and pairing old brickwork with black zinc cladding, YARD Architects created a home that feels both timeless and fresh.