Observatory Close

A contemporary flint clad extension to a Grade II listed building in Oxfordshire.

This contemporary building is an extension to a Grade II listed cottage in Benson, Oxfordshire, parts of which date back to the 16th century. It has been designed to be low impact in terms of scale and massing and to appear subordinate and contemporary in style to contrast with the existing historic listed property. Generous glazing to the south wall provides a lightness to the structure. The rear is effectively concealed by the existing boundary wall, also Grade II listed and the east elevation will be partially embedded by the raised level of the surrounding garden. The small areas of solid wall are clad in snapped flint to provide a contemporary natural palette clearly linking to the existing building which has historic feature flint coursing at high level.