Latest News Article

№ 8 — A dialogue between architecture and garden

Originating from the 16th century, this Grade II listed farmhouse occupies a distinctive corner of the village. Behind public facing boundaries the interior opens into much-loved and generous gardens.

When a neighbouring run-down and redundant blacksmith’s workshop became available, the opportunity presented itself to renovate this building and repurpose other outbuildings to allow the living spaces within the house to better engage with and flow into the garden.

To achieve this brief, an unsympathetic 20th century house extension was removed and replaced with a glazed link that engages directly with the garden as well as providing an intimate study space within. Through this space the previously inward-looking kitchen, now decluttered and refitted, has views out and allows light in through framed openings.

Beyond the glazed link and at the lower level, a new ‘Bootility’ room fronts the renovated blacksmiths workshop to form an alley way that at one end is accessed from the village street with the other end opening out into a gravelled, gardeners service yard with glass house, cold frames and plant stores.

Another key change was reorganisation of the vehicle access. The car parking previously cutting across the front of the house was relocated. The existing garages have been softened by larch cladding and within which a peaceful home office has been created that also enjoys its own framed outlook onto the garden.

The result is greater than the sum of the respective parts. The existing medieval through passage of the house interior now offers on arrival, a vista through to the garden with the circular lawn framed by new herbaceous planting. Further, the south facing aspect of the existing farmhouse becomes a sunny terrace with outside dining area. The arrangement of buildings, connecting walls, structures and planting has also created linked destinations such as a secluded evening drinks spot for catching the setting sun, or sheltered seating for barbeques.

This marriage of architecture and garden would not have been achieved without the dialogue and exchange between gardeners and architects: the discipline of planting and creating garden spaces has informed the architecture and visa versa. A truly collaborative project.

Previous News Article

№ 7 — Join LCA: Senior Architect Required

We are looking for a senior architect to become part of a forward thinking, design led, and ambitious architectural practice in the West Country.

The role is based on full time working at our Somerset studio near the beautiful Exmoor coast. You will be part of a focussed, friendly, and supportive studio, where we support flexible ways of working to allow a good work-life balance for our team. A part time role would also be considered for the right person. We care about architecture, we value our team, and we work in wonderful locations.

Our studios are a collaborative design environment where solving problems through good design is a fundamental part of practice life.  We will invest in you, learn from you, and will value what you have to offer.

Louise Crossman Architects is an Employee Ownership Trust, and thus offers real engagement with the future of the practice as well as potential for additional rewards, over and above agreed salary, depending on practice performance.

Job Description:-

We are committed to creating uniquely tailored architecture where our projects are predominantly private residential or culturally based. You will be responsible for leading your own projects from concept to completion with support from our talented and experienced team. The position will suit someone who is excited by the reuse and renewal of existing buildings, by sustainable construction, as well as contemporary architecture, with excellent design, technical and organisational skills. Your role will also include providing support and guidance to other team members.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced architect working towards or at associate level, who is creative and focused, and who cares about good design, while thriving on the technical demands of delivering great architecture in a collaborative environment.

Skills and Experience:-

You must:

  • Have at least 5 years post Part 3 in-practice UK experience working with a portfolio of projects through all RIBA Stages of work, from concept design, through to construction and practical completion and beyond.
  • Be able to work in a focused manner and have good design and technical skills.
  • Enjoy the challenge of designing and executing bespoke projects often in traditional buildings, and in beautiful yet sensitive contexts or settings.
  • Care about and have experience of sustainable construction and energy efficient design.
  • Have a friendly approach and a willingness to work as a team player, as well as engage with clients and consultants.

Preferred:

  • Do you thrive within beautiful landscapes and outdoor environments? We regularly work within National Parks and AONBs.
  • Do you have experience of using Vectorworks, Adobe Suite and NBS Building software, where we use Apple Macs? Whilst experience of these would be an advantage, training will be given if needed. 
  • Will you bring fresh ideas and experience that will make a difference and contribute to our practice?

Please send a covering letter, outlining why you would like to join us, along with your cv and not more than 6 examples of your own design work and technical construction drawings to design@lcarchitects.co.uk.

No agencies please.

News Archive