Forgeworks Architects has completed A House of Wood Shingle, an ambitious retrofit and extension project of a bungalow located in the historic Bath Conservation Area. In collaboration with Celia McCarthy of Richardson Studio, the intervention transforms a poorly insulated structure into a low-energy family home, wrapped in elegant cedar shingles that give it a natural and timeless aesthetic.
Set on a private hillside with panoramic views of Bath, the Severn Estuary and beyond, the residence is an example of contemporary architecture that respects the historical context. Forgeworks took a “fabric-first” approach, prioritizing improving thermal insulation and preserving the existing mass, rather than completely demolishing the structure. This strategy has made it possible to create a sustainable, visually harmonious and highly efficient home.
The project plays with interior spatiality, inverting the slope of the roof and introducing mezzanines, a double-height hall and a single-sloped kitchen-dining room. These interventions lend architectural drama while maintaining a discreet exterior aesthetic, exemplifying Forgeworks’ principle that good design is gradually revealed.
The distribution of the spaces enhances light and landscape: the living areas face west, enjoying the afternoon sun, while the bedrooms and rear bathrooms receive morning light. High-performance windows, solid wood frames and natural materials such as lime plaster, exposed fir beams and engineered oak floors complete the interior design, offering comfort and quality craftsmanship. The use of bold colors such as pink, green, and yellow in the different zones adds character without compromising the overall harmony.
Outside, the landscape has been carefully designed to create terraces and platforms with wild and edible plants, promoting biodiversity and bees. The use of Blue Label Canadian cedar ensures sustainability and durability, while solar panels, skylights and vents are positioned on the rear roof to minimize visual impact. Materials such as acoustic panels made of wood wool and bio-based paints underline the attention to sustainability and environmental health.
A House of Wood Shingle demonstrates how a retrofit project can elevate everyday life, blending contemporary architecture, respect for historical context and sustainable innovation. Forgeworks transforms the home into a space that has always appeared part of the landscape, while offering modern functionality and high comfort.
INFO: Daniel Nelson – October Communications
PHOTO COURTESY: French & Tye; Carmel King
