Roell House: a project with passion and preservation at its core

Shaun Tanner, director for STL Architecture, shares the Barr Build passion for conservation. Having been involved in the restoration of numerous listed buildings within Oxfordshire and Berkshire conservation areas, the sizable task of planning and specifying the listed Roell House restoration was right up his street.

The principle behind the Roell House planning application was to protect and conserve the special and historic character of the building, both externally and internally, whilst sensitively delivering a scheme which would facilitate modern everyday living for the family. As such, plans included not only major structural refurbishments, but also essential improvements to the thermal capacity of the building, a full electrical and mechanical overhaul, and heritage-approved specialist finishes throughout. In addition, two single-storey extensions and several careful opening adaptations were designed to enhance modern living, without impacting the proportions of the original building or diminishing its historic fabric.

Our client Victoria, an experienced project manager, worked alongside the Barr Build team on the execution of the extensive two-phase restoration works. Works began with a full strip-out of all retrofit elements, leaving the wonderful historic fabric of the building exposed. From there the team were able to fully understand the extent of the structural requirements and carry out essential restoration works. The careful installation of modern M&E infrastructure and specialist heritage-approved insulation would secure the structure and functionality of the property for years to come. The restoration of fireplaces and chimney breasts, structural beams and lintels, doorways and fenestration, amongst many other listed elements, were all integral to the success of the project.

Phase two of the project focused on the extension and alteration works, which were also carried out with fastidious attention to historical detailing. A heritage-matched, south-facing kitchen extension, with a traditionally styled bi-folding French door set and surrounding glazed panels, brought space and light to the stunning kitchen space and made inside-outside living an instinctive part of family life.

To the rear of the property, its U-shape evolution lends itself perfectly to the creation of a poolside terrace and an outside lounging area. As such, a critical intervention was the addition of a glazed walkway, which connects the family room and main living spaces to the garden. Although minor in relation to the scale of the property, the link makes an enormous difference to the functionality and flow of the ground floor. Traditional leadwork caps both the single-storey extensions, allowing them to ‘belong’ to the original redbrick walls they sit against. Similarly, minor incremental changes to elements of the first-floor spaces revolutionised the usability of the property’s seven bedrooms and its corresponding bathrooms.

The interior scheme, designed by our client Victoria, is a rich treasure trove of fabulous antiques and vintage pieces. Beautifully upholstered soft furnishings are set against the backdrop of original brick fireplaces, exposed lintels and door frames, and old oak beams. Dotted all over the house is a gorgeous collection of unique, fabric-covered lampshades, which are handmade by Victoria herself. A wonderfully rich Farrow & Ball colour scheme and stunning window dressings tie the whole scheme together, ready for its lucky recipients to relax happily into.

We thank Victoria and her family for letting us share their restoration story and wish them every happiness at Roell House in the decades to come.