Glanbran
The stepped form of this ground floor living area extension, extending in part to the original eaves was intended to provide opportunities for observing the night sky without the cost implications of roof glazing. As a wheelchair user, the client required low, deep internal sills to provide work areas. In order to minimise visual obstruction, corner posts to the bay were omitted; deep transoms at mid height providing the necessary resistance to wind loading. The client wished the internal structure to be expressed in exposed brickwork. This surrounds a steel column and timber purlin construction. Externally, these surface finishes are reversed, with a band of brickwork forming a plinth to the glazing. Frames were painted white to minimise the impact of structure and emphasis given to opening doors and casements by the natural hardwood finish Aluminium extruded box gutters were colour matched to the grey painted timber fascia, and the rigidity of the down-pipes allows them to remain unrestrained without the need for offsets following the window frames to the main bay. Level access to the surrounding terrace is maintained with the use of a perimeter drainage channel covered with stone, and the hip roof extension contains a store room and provides shelter to the rear entrance without obstructing the view from the kitchen window.