Tucked away on a private road in Cambridge, this arts and crafts home had stood since 1928, originally built by the university for its staff. Over the decades, it had seen piecemeal additions that, by the time our clients moved in, were no longer fit for purpose. The outdated concrete-roofed extensions had become unusable, making the rooms freezing in the winter and unbearably hot in the summer, leaving large portions of the house effectively unliveable.
Our brief was ambitious: to replace the existing 1970s and ’80s extensions with something modern and striking, while preserving key architectural features and working sensitively with the original structure. What followed was a deep collaboration between Resi and the homeowners, Andreas and Sam, drawing on Andreas' own construction and carpentry expertise, to reimagine the property for modern family life.
We sent our Head of Design, architect Oliver Burgess, to Cambridge for a guided tour of this incredible home with Andreas. As they walked through each space, Andreas shared stories and insights behind the thoughtful design choices that make this property truly one of a kind. Watch this episode of Change of Plans to see it for yourself.
A Balancing Act Between Old and New
The existing home featured a gambrel roof, which is a rare, sloped roof not typically seen in the UK. Naturally, Andreas and Sam were keen to preserve this detail. With planning constraints and local conservation considerations, keeping much of the original structure was key. But the architectural language of the new parts would be boldly contemporary, and not a pastiche of the old.
“We were really proud of our rolling gambrel roof. It was an original feature and we wanted to honour that.”
Rather than conceal the new work, we embraced a clear separation of styles. A glass linkway forms a light-filled transition between the old brickwork and the new timber and standing seam metal. The result is a home that feels cohesive yet unapologetically modern, with clean geometry and dramatic angles, softened by carefully selected natural materials.
Materials with Meaning
As a New Zealander, Andreas has a strong affinity for wood, so timber played a central role throughout the design. Thermally modified English ash was used for both the cladding and the distinctive brise soleil shading feature, selected not only for its durability but also for its rich, natural patina that silvers beautifully over time. The standing seam metal, meanwhile, provides a sharp contrast to the softness of the wood; a contemporary edge that elevates the home’s silhouette.
Sourcing sustainably and locally was a priority, and the ash cladding was storm-felled and milled in Essex, keeping the carbon footprint low. Inside, walnut detailing creates warmth and continuity, particularly across the living space and bespoke AV cabinetry, which were handcrafted by Andreas.
Geometry, Light and Family Functionality
This home is full of subtle geometry, including triangular rooflines, trapezoid footprints and clever angles that were dictated by both the site and the vision. A particular highlight is the pentagonal column supporting the brise soleil, a favourite architectural detail for the client. Its sharp form anchors the space while providing essential shading for the expansive glazing.
Throughout, large-format glazing and a series of sculptural rooflights bring in abundant natural light, creating constant movement and pattern across the home as the day progresses. From the six asymmetrical skylights in the living area to the triangular lightwell in the kitchen, each element was carefully considered not only for function, but to evoke emotion and intrigue.
Acoustic treatment was another important factor. With high ceilings, hard floors, and large windows, the risk of echo was mitigated through acoustic panelling, felt light fittings and textured wallpapers that double as sound absorbers, to not only be practical but to look good.
While the architecture is bold, the layout is rooted in the everyday needs of family life. The ground floor was restructured to include a snug, utility room, home gym and accessible bathroom for use of a relative, with level thresholds and a spacious walk-in shower.
The heart of the home is the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. A bespoke walnut media wall and floating cabinetry flow seamlessly into a sculptural kitchen island, which is a triangular teardrop shape that underwent multiple iterations to perfect. Adjacent to the kitchen sits a reimagined cold larder, which is a nod to the original house. It's fitted with vents to the outside, providing sustainable cooling for dry goods, and externally-insulated internal walls to prevent the cold from bridging across into the main living space.
Conversations with the Garden
Maximising the relationship with the garden was a key driver for the project. The plot is unusually large, thanks to the site originally being reserved for two properties. Surrounded by mature protected trees, the design had to navigate root protection zones and conservation rules with surgical precision. The result is a layout that wraps around the greenery, with each internal room offering a curated view of the landscape.
One standout addition is the indoor swimming pool, housed within a sleek timber-clad space angled away from the main house. Originally craned into the garden and then relocated during the build, it’s now sunken and fully integrated with the rest of the architecture. Adjacent to the bedroom wing, it’s accessible from both indoors and the garden.
Energy Efficiency + Innovation
The entire home is heated by two monobloc heat pumps, connected to a smart system that stores thermal energy overnight using off-peak tariffs. This, combined with solar panels and a well-insulated envelope, makes the house future-proofed against rising energy costs. Though it’s not a certified passivhaus, Sam and Andreas' commitment to sustainable design shows in every detail, from the heating system to the careful placement of opening rooflights for natural ventilation.
“If I were doing it again, I’d have project-managed the whole thing. But working with Resi made that part easier. They were flexible, collaborative and not precious. They listened to what we wanted, but also pushed us to make it better.”
"Advice for future renovators: be forceful with your vision, and speak up if something feels off. Builders will sometimes try to make decisions in order to try to cut costs for you, and it’s your job to protect what matters most to you.”
Photography & Videography by Peter Furlong.
