I was appointed by a private client to design a three bay garage in the grounds of a Grade II listed cottage in Wattisham, Suffolk. The plans were drawn up and following consultation with Babergh District Council a design was agreed upon which was in keeping with the style of a traditional Suffolk barn. Having successfully obtained listed building consent for the garage, details were drawn up showing the proposed fenestration and materials to satisfy the planning conditions. The garage utilises an existing access which was previously un-used and is set at a distance from the cottage, with surrounding landscaping enhancing the historic setting of the adjacent listed building. 

The garage is built with a soft red brickwork plinth and a timber frame over. The timber frame is lined with an external quality plywood which gives it stability.

The Client chose to use attic trusses, to maximise the accessible storage space over the garage unit.

The frame was clad with black featheredge softwood boarding, to suit the materials approved in the planning application. This is in keeping with the Suffolk vernacular. The tiles are a rustic pan tile. 

The existing access was gated and the driveway made up of loose gravel, with a pathway continuing through the garden leading to the cottage.

The garage itself is screened from the cottage by the existing trees. It sits well in the landscape, surrounded by trees and hedgerows on all sides. 

"Zoe designed a beautiful three-garage/store unit within the curtilage of our listed property. She interpreted our requirements in such a way that conformed to planning and listing consents, yet managed to produce an imaginative and detailed design with which we were delighted - and all well within budget! I have no hesitation in recommending Zoe's services. She works tirelessly and is passionate about good design."

- S. A. Griffiths