Adding a storey to an existing cottage is - one would think - in principle a simple exercise. The room program is essentially provided in the client’s brief and once the space for the new stairway has been found it all falls into place.

Consideration has been given to the various building controls such as setbacks, height limit and fire separation, which have resulted in the moderately sized area that is a possible floor plate. The next layer of restrictions comes in the shape of debatable heritage conservation guidelines. And the neighbours of course would have their say too.

Reaching a development approval that is a compromise, it is then a matter of building the addition in situ, with existing structure and services in place. 

Complete the build in one of the wettest winters on record and the simple first floor expansion is worthy of being called an Artisan’s Cottage.

Photography: Martin Mischkulnig