Orange Cottage

This new-build 200 sqm timber framed house is situated in the heart of the picturesque Tudor village of Lavenham, Suffolk. All the neighbouring buildings are listed.

Located behind an existing brick and flint wall, the form of the house, with its steeply pitched roof, is a version of the local vernacular and continues a rhythm of cascading gables when viewed from the street. The street elevation is intentionally laconic using a simple language of solid oak casements and lime-washed render over a red brick plinth. To the rear the composition of central gable, brick lean-to and chimney is more purposeful and modern. This impression is generated by the arrangement of projecting oak frames, full height glazing and oak panelled screens that unite the windows to the living area and principal bedroom in a single composition and exploits to the full the beautiful views and southerly aspect to the rear.

The open plan ground floor is organized on the pin wheel principle around the curved form of a top lit winding oak stair. A music room / library and open kitchen are wrapped around a sunken living area and provide for relaxed entertaining, music making and also home working. The upper floors contain four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the top floor taking full advantage of the soaring volumes within the steeply pitched roof.

A limited palette of traditional materials informs the interior, providing texture and grain reminiscent of more historic neighbours, but detailed in a contemporary way. Floors throughout the ground floor are pale brick, those to the upper floors oak. All are warmed with underfloor heating. Doors are full height and, like the windows are oak, the ironmongery bronze. Further detail is provided in the exposed white painted joists to all ceilings.

Orange Cottage was a finalist in the Grand Design Awards, and has been extensively published.