THE ELMS
ALTERATIONS & EXTENSIONS
THE PROJECT
Waterside Extension & Renovation
Location: Mylor Bridge, Cornwall
A Contemporary Extension to a Waterside Home
The Elms is an established home set within a generous garden overlooking the waterfront in Mylor Bridge. The project involved replacing an existing extension with a new two-storey addition, alongside a comprehensive refurbishment of the main house. The new accommodation provides a generous kitchen and dining space at ground floor level, with a new master suite above, creating a stronger connection between the home and its exceptional setting.
Our involvement extended across RIBA Stages 1–5, from the initial project brief and concept development through to detailed design, statutory approvals, technical design and construction. Working closely with the client and wider project team throughout, we guided the project from its initial conception through to delivery, maintaining a consistent design approach while responding to the existing building, site constraints and waterside setting.
Opening the Home to the Waterfront
The new extension is designed to open the principal living spaces towards the garden and water beyond. Extensive glazing at ground and first floor maximises natural light and views, while the upper floor is set back from the full width of the ground floor to reduce its visual presence and maintain a considered relationship with neighbouring properties. A balcony to the master suite provides a private outlook across the garden and waterfront.
Materiality & Detail
The extension combines natural stone, timber and extensive glazing beneath a low-pitched natural slate roof. The contemporary material palette creates a clear distinction from the existing rendered house, while the natural stonework provides a visual connection with the surrounding landscape. The existing house has been refurbished with a new natural slate roof and replacement traditional timber sash windows, reinforcing the character of the original building.
A Considered Relationship Between Old & New
The scheme brings together the character of the existing house with a contemporary waterside addition. The new kitchen and dining space opens directly onto the garden, creating a fluid relationship between the interior and exterior. Above, the master suite takes advantage of the elevated position and views, while the restrained scale and low roof profile ensure that the new extension remains subservient to the original house.