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The Malthouse

A bold contemporary kitchen extension to a Grade II listed Warwickshire cottage, where Cotswold stone, timber, glass and crisp metalwork create a luminous new heart for the home.

Warwickshire

Hayward Smart Architects & Dawn Lodge Associates

A New Chapter in Light

The Malthouse began with the removal of an earlier extension, clearing the way for a substantially more considered addition to this historic thatched cottage. From the new foundations and masonry through to the completed structure, the challenge was to introduce confident contemporary architecture while protecting the character and visual importance of the Grade II listed building.

The completed extension brings together Cotswold stone walls, natural timber framing, vertical timber cladding and a sharply detailed standing-seam metal roof. Full-height sliding doors, frameless corner glazing and clerestory windows create striking architectural lines, while carefully formed connections allow the new structure to meet the original cottage without overpowering it.

A confident meeting of old and new, designed to respect the cottage’s history while transforming how the home is experienced.

A Kitchen Made for Living

At the centre of the extension is a beautifully fitted kitchen designed as both a practical workspace and a generous social setting. Dark painted cabinetry with distinctive leather handles is paired with pale stone worktops, while the large island is crowned by a substantial solid timber surface that introduces warmth, individuality and natural texture. Industrial-style pendant lighting and clean contemporary lines complete the understated interior.

Clarke Construction Group delivered the complete space, including the kitchen installation, flooring, plumbing, electrics, plastering and decoration. Underfloor heating was incorporated beneath the floor, providing efficient comfort without interrupting the simple architectural finish. Wide expanses of glass draw daylight deep into the room and frame views across the Warwickshire countryside, making the kitchen feel connected to its surroundings throughout the seasons.

Clarke Construction understood that the extension needed to feel contemporary without competing with the original cottage. The quality of the finish is excellent, the kitchen is exactly what we hoped for, and the amount of natural light has completely transformed how we use the house. We are delighted with the result.

J Stockton

Connecting Home and Landscape

The glazing was planned to make the garden part of the interior experience. Large sliding doors open the kitchen directly onto a newly created stone patio, forming an effortless setting for outdoor dining, entertaining and quieter moments overlooking the grounds. The level transition and consistent natural materials help the internal and external spaces read as one coherent environment.

Externally, the extension’s warm timber, pale stone and dark metal detailing provide a deliberate contrast to the softer form of the thatched cottage. Rather than attempting to imitate the original building, the design establishes a distinct new architectural layer, bringing contemporary light, space and function to a property defined by centuries of character.

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Project Images

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Before/After

The previous extension offered limited architectural value and did little to celebrate either the cottage or its setting. Its removal created the opportunity to completely rethink this part of the home, beginning again with new foundations and a clearer relationship between the building, kitchen and garden. Today, The Malthouse has a bright and expansive kitchen framed by glass, timber and Cotswold stone. The contemporary extension gives the clients a welcoming place to cook, gather and entertain, while the generous glazing and new patio connect everyday life with the surrounding Warwickshire countryside.

Before After

Work In Progress

The Malthouse was a true labour of love for the entire Clarke Construction team. From our skilled tradespeople to dedicated project managers, every team member contributed their expertise and passion to bring this vision to life. Here’s a glimpse into the journey and teamwork that shaped this remarkable project.

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Developer Diary

For a more in-depth look at how this project came together, please take a look at the Developer Diary updates from our time working on this project.

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Contemporary Extension Begins

The Malthouse – 5th August 2022

We’re not lying when we say our schedule is full! Here’s another project we’ve just started. We’ve been instructed to construct a contemporary extension to adjoin this beautiful Grade II listed thatched cottage.

VIEW UPDATE
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Blockwork Has Begun

The Malthouse – 29th August 2022

We’re back at this beautiful Grade II listed property in Warwickshire where the foundations are complete and blockwork has begun on the sizable extension. Stay tuned to see great things happening at this site.

VIEW UPDATE
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Masonry Work Well Underway

The Malthouse – 12th October 2022

The masonry work is well underway at the Malt House, with the Cotswold stone walls looking particularly beautiful. A great addition to a beautiful home.

VIEW UPDATE
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Two Teams

The Malthouse – 16th November 2022

We have two teams working on the Malthouse extension today. One pair are building up the lovely Cotswold stone walls, the other installing the joists and other wood work. Great progress being made at the site.

VIEW UPDATE
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Underfloor Heating

The Malthouse – 15th February 2023

We’re at the Malthouse extension today, where the skeleton of the new structure is complete and we’re deep into the process of laying the underfloor heating. This project is coming along very nicely.

VIEW UPDATE
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Wood, Glass, and Stone

The Malthouse – 29th March 2023

It's been quite a journey since our last visit to this site. Externally, the extension is complete, with wood, glass, and stone elements blending together seamlessly. The team is currently in the process of fitting the kitchen, which features a stunning wood topper for the island unit. This contemporary project boasts some remarkable architectural lines that create a fascinating contrast to the existing listed building.

VIEW UPDATE
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Clients Embrace the New Space

The Malthouse – 17th May 2023

This latest update brings exciting news from our contemporary extension project, where the installation of the kitchen has been completed, and the clients are already relishing their transformed space. As they immerse themselves in the joys of their new kitchen, we promise to return with ample notice next time to capture the final photos!

VIEW UPDATE
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A Contemporary Gem Emerges

The Malthouse – 19th October 2023

We are thrilled to unveil the completed Malthouse project, a contemporary extension to a Grade II listed home that has been a testament to modern craftsmanship and respect for history. The build is nothing short of breathtaking, as it seamlessly blends glass, stone, and wood to create a living space that harmoniously bridges the past and the present.

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A Culinary Masterpiece

The Malthouse – 20th October 2023

Today marks an exciting chapter in the Malthouse project's journey as we open the doors to the stunning interior of this contemporary extension. Inside, we are proud to present the magnificent centrepiece kitchen, a testament to modern design, craftsmanship, and the discerning choices made by our clients.

VIEW UPDATE

Our Location

We proudly serve the heart of the Cotswolds and surrounding counties, bringing our bespoke construction expertise to some of the UK’s most desirable towns and villages.

Map illustrating Clarke Construction Group service areas across the Cotswolds

From Gloucestershire’s elegant regency town of Cheltenham to the edges of the market hub of Cirencester, to the picture-perfect villages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh, Broadway, Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold; through Oxfordshire’s charming Burford, Charlbury, Witney and Woodstock; and up to Warwickshire’s historic Stratford-upon-Avon. Our local knowledge, attention to craftsmanship and understanding of the unique character of each locale ensure every project enhances the beauty and value of these affluent communities.


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