The Counsel House

A previously extended Edwardian property, reconfigured to provide a confidential and dependable environment for the owner- a counselor, to see patients.

Tigg + Coll Architects were asked to reimagine a tired 1980’s extension and conservatory, replacing a home office with a rear extension that holds a therapy consultation room, a breakfast area and family living space. The upper floors were altered to rationalise room sizes and a new staircase leads to a teenage hideaway on the second floor.

The rear extension comprises two interlocking volumes that visually distinguish their separate functions. The asymmetric pitch defines the Client’s consulting room, programmatically detached from the main house. The volume needed to give a balanced consideration of patients’ privacy, alongside a room filled with light and views of the garden.

Internally, exposed Douglas Fir purlins and integrated Oak joinery create a contemplative, compassionate environment where patients are encouraged to become more aware of the conscious and unconscious processes behind thoughts and feelings.

The flat roof volume houses the main family living space, stepping down from the kitchen and dining area. The external brick continues internally, forming an integrated breakfast area that benefits from morning sun.

A pared back palette of natural materials with a focus on craftsmanship sets a harmonious backdrop for contemporary family spaces, where externally, detailed brickwork constructs a striking sculptural form.