Project Overview
A thoughtfully designed sunroom extension to Dove Cottage, creating a light-filled, comfortable space that feels naturally connected to both the home and its surroundings. In Goonbell, near the village of St Agnes, the extension enhances how the property is lived in day to day—bringing warmth, light, and a stronger connection to the outdoors.
The Brief
To design and deliver a sunroom extension that would introduce more light and usable living space, while remaining true to the character of the existing cottage and its setting. The aim was to create something that felt like a natural continuation of the home—both visually and practically.
Key Decisions
A number of important decisions shaped the success of the project:
- Designing the space with significant glazing to maximise natural light without losing a sense of comfort
- Carefully matching external cladding to the existing cottage for a seamless finish
- Prioritising thermal performance through strong U-value retention and controlled penetrations
- Incorporating underfloor heating to ensure year-round usability
- Developing a detailed damp proofing strategy to manage the complexities of the party wall
The Build
As with many cottage projects, the detail sat in the complexity. Working around the party wall required careful planning, particularly in relation to damp proofing and junction detailing. In collaboration with the architect, an extensive DPC strategy was developed to protect the neighbouring property while achieving the desired finish.
Alongside this, the structure was designed with close to 50% glazing, requiring careful coordination to balance light, structure, and thermal performance. Every element—from materials to detailing—was handled with precision to ensure the extension felt cohesive and well considered.
The Outcome
The completed sunroom has transformed Dove Cottage, introducing a bright, welcoming living space that feels both practical and uplifting. It sits comfortably alongside the original building, respecting its character while adding something distinctly new. Light-filled, efficient, and quietly refined, it’s an extension that enhances not just the property—but how it’s enjoyed every day.
Testimonial
“Just a massive thank you to Luke and team for being so kind and thoughtful to our horses during the equestrian camps south west camp at goonbell riding centre. They turned off machinery, our path was always clear, they never complained even though interrupted them on several occasions over the two days. Their site was super clean and tidy too, even when they were full flow! Very grateful”. Lorraine Barnfield
