Copper Keep

A Contemporary Touch for a Time-Honoured Farmhouse.

At the end of last year we received listed building consent and planning approval for a transformative extension and alteration scheme to a Grade II listed farmhouse, nestled on the side of a hill overlooking the Oxfordshire countryside.

Artist’s Impression

The journey of this project for us as Architects has been a rewarding one. What began as a modest brief to reconfigure the utility and boots room swiftly evolved into something truly exciting — a contemporary kitchen and first-floor extension, seamlessly linked to a detached home office. As such we also knew that we had to honour the stately elegance of the original farmhouse whilst infusing it with a renewed sense of purpose and modernity.

The essence of Copper Keep lies in its ability to marry tradition with innovation. Previous extensions, though respectful of the listed building, lacked the gravitas that our discerning clients believed the home deserved. Thus, our vision was clear: to craft an extension that not only paid homage to the farmhouse's rich history but also reflected the majesty of its surroundings.

Central to our design ethos was the notion of harmony—of seamlessly blending the old with the new. Drawing inspiration from the landscape and the dwelling's architectural heritage, we curated a palette of materials that spoke to both tradition and contemporary aesthetics. Glass and copper emerged as our primary mediums, offering a striking contrast to the farmhouse's timeless red brick facade.

Before and After

The large expanses of glazing celebrate the buildings setting by providing panoramic views of the countryside from inside and reflecting those same magnificent views when outside.

Throughout this journey, we were fortunate to collaborate with consultants whose expertise proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of listed building consents and planning approvals. A heartfelt thanks to Jamie of JP Heritage Consultants and Ken Dijksman of Dijksmann Planning for their unwavering support in securing this consent.

As we eagerly anticipate seeing Copper Keep come to life, we invite you to share in our excitement for this unique blend of history and modernity. With listed building consent secured and plans in motion, we can't wait to witness the transformation first-hand. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this vision to fruition, honouring the past while embracing the future.

Site Plan - As Proposed