Country house extension

A design for the extension and renovation of an existing gable-roofed house, inspired by its rural setting, which is characterized by a diverse range of traditional farmstead typologies.

The brief called for a doubling of the habitable floor area and a complete internal reorganization of the existing house to enhance the spatial experience, both inside and in relation to the surrounding landscape.

Drawing inspiration from the rural context, the extension takes the form of a volumetric counterpart positioned perpendicular to the existing house, creating an L-shaped composition reminiscent of a traditional farmstead.

Although the two volumes are closely related in form, they are deliberately contrasted in both material expression and use. The new extension is conceived as a “summer house,” featuring generous glazed openings oriented towards the southwest, while the existing wing retains a more introverted character, functioning as a “winter retreat.”

The extension follows the gable-roof typology of the original house but is inserted perpendicular to it, subdividing the elongated garden into a series of distinct outdoor spaces. The new volume is connected to the existing dwelling by a glazed gallery overlooking the enclosed garden, creating a sheltered circulation route between the two wings.

Within the extension, a garage is located on the street side, while the garden-facing façade opens up towards both the enclosed courtyard garden and a covered terrace. As a result, this “summer house” establishes a much stronger relationship with the outdoors through large, operable glazed openings, in contrast to the more restrained and inward-looking character of the existing house.

The strongly articulated rhythm of the original brick façades is carefully preserved. The materials of the extension are intentionally chosen to contrast with the existing building, enhancing the legibility of the overall composition. Timber cladding and expansive glazing provide a warm, contemporary complement to the painted brickwork of the original house.