Oriel Cottage

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Oriel Cottage is a re-fronted late 15th century part mediaeval timber framed Grade II* Listed Building in the heart of Salisbury. The site and building lie within the Salisbury Conservation Area.

The works included demolitions of a 1970’s single storey flat roof extension and adjacent light weight covered Utility area, with a replacement single storey extension to accommodate a Breakfast/Garden Room linking the cottage to the existing outbuilding at the rear. The rear garden space was fully landscaped. Alterations to the existing cottage included thermally enhancing existing external walls, the existing uneven stairs were replaced, an ensuite was added to the first floor bedroom, windows were repaired/replaced where required and pictures rails were installed along with full redecoration throughout.

D E S I G N P H I L O S O P H Y

The design philosophy underpinning the proposed works at Oriel Cottage centred on a sensitive balance between heritage preservation and modern functionality. Every intervention - be it demolition, extension, or alteration - was guided by a respect for the building’s mediaeval and listed status within the Salisbury Conservation Area.

Key principles included: -

• Conservation-Led Approach: All works prioritised the retention and careful repair of historic fabric; modern additions or alterations were only made where previous interventions lacked heritage value or functionality. Where unknown heritage elements were encountered, the design adapted to protect them.

• Reversibility and Documentation: Exposed walling/flooring from the removal of modern fabric was documented and restored. Interventions aimed to be reversible where possible, minimising permanent change to the original building.

• Sustainable Enhancement: Improvements such as breathable natural insulation and upgraded services were integrated discreetly to enhance comfort and energy efficiency without compromising the building’s character.

• Respectful Modernisation: The new extension and interior reconfigurations (including kitchen and stair) were designed to improve spatial flow, accessibility, and safety, while employing high-quality, traditionally detailed materials that are sympathetic to the existing structure.

• Minimal Intervention to Significant Features: Changes to significant architectural elements - such as windows, timber framing, and original room proportions - are kept to an absolute minimum, using conservation repairs and compatible materials. New elements are subservient and clearly distinguished from the old.

• Adaptive Reuse and User Comfort: The scheme adapts underused or poorly functioning spaces to meet contemporary needs - such as improved access, better insulation, and modern amenities - while optimising the experience of the historic interiors for present and future occupants.

• Holistic Site Integration: Site layout changes, including the new garden room and access rationalisation, respect historic boundaries, rights of access, and the relationship between building and landscape.

This design philosophy ensures that Oriel Cottage remains a living heritage asset - its history legible and respected, yet its spaces reinvigorated for modern use, comfort, and sustainability.

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y

The extension adopts the principles of sealed construction with high levels of thermal insulation and particular attention to thermal bridging details, exceeding the standards of the current Building Regulations. All light fittings within the extension are ‘low energy’ type LEDs and external lighting is designed so as not to waste light energy or cause light spill/pollution. All double-glazing units have a Low E coating to the inside face of the outer pane, and the sealed units are filled with Argon gas.

Wherever possible labour and materials were sourced locally, and materials were from sustainable sources to minimise the carbon footprint of the project and construction process.

Selective planting in the rear garden enhances the ecological benefits to the site.

L A N D S C A P I N G

(H A R D / S O F T)

The site has an existing green space/garden to the rear consisting of hard standing and planting which was re-landscaped with a mixture of paving and planting/shrubs.

The proposed layout and planting for the rear garden is informal connecting the exterior with the building through a mixture of natural paved surfaces including brick set alongside planting boarders and shrubs.

I N T E R N A L L A Y O U T

The internal layout has been enhanced by addressing previously dark, poorly arranged spaces and improving their flow.

A 1970s flat-roofed extension has been replaced/relocated to the northern side of the building, resulting in better internal connectivity and increased natural light through added windows, screens, and roof lights.

The existing top-lit first floor landing was retained and a new satin glazed enclosure in Bedroom 1's southwest corner is minimally intrusive and has a low impact on both room layout and historic features.

The reformed bulkhead and storage cupboard accommodate the replacement stair between the ground and first floor, keeping internal walls and the inclined ceiling visible.