A sensitively detailed rear extension to a late Victorian villa in Clifton introduces contemporary wellness facilities and improved garden connection, while complementing and preserving the building’s historic character.
Client: Private Domestic
Location: Clifton, Bristol
Start on site date: TBC
Completion date: TBC
Estimated Construction value: TBC
Floor area: 30 sqm
Collaborators:
College Road House is a late Victorian semi-detached villa located in the Clifton & Hotwells Conservation Area, distinguished by its Italianate detailing, Bathstone features, and generous fenestration. Our proposals comprise a sensitively scaled extension to the lower ground floor with new, well-proportioned fenestrations to the rear façade.
The new single-storey extension will provide sauna, plunge pool and shower facilities to complement a new gym in the basement, forming a dedicated wellness space for the occupants. Above, a roof terrace will offer additional outdoor amenity for the main house.
The extension utilises long-format rustic brick with refined detailing to harmonise with the original materials, while remaining visually subservient. High-performance glazing and carefully designed openings maximise light and ventilation, while a privacy screen ensures minimal impact on neighbours.
The intervention is set below garden level and screened from public view, ensuring minimal visual impact. Designed in line with local planning policy and conservation guidelines, the project preserves and enhances the building’s architectural character while introducing sustainable materials, energy efficiency measures, and improved day-to-day functionality.
“The proposals will improve natural daylight, enhance the connection between home and garden, and support modern living within a heritage context.”
Sandy Murray, Project Architect, Stretto
