Coggeshall

A Sensitive Extension to a Grade II Listed Home in Coggeshall

Architect – Plater Claiborne Ltd

Photos – Visual Peak

Working with listed properties requires a careful balance - preserving historic character while introducing modern functionality. A recently completed project in Coggeshall is a considered example of how thoughtful design and craftsmanship can enhance a heritage home without compromising its integrity.

To connect the interior with the garden, we introduced external hardwood timber bifold doors and a roof lantern, supplied by Timbertherm Windows.

These elements bring natural light deep into the home while maintaining a warmth and material honesty that suits the character of a listed property. The result is a brighter, more open living space that still feels grounded in its historic context.

Beyond the extension itself, the project included the construction of a fully enclosed garden wall—designed and built by Project Nine using the same handmade bricks. This creates a strong sense of continuity between the house and its outdoor spaces, reinforcing a cohesive architectural language throughout.

External decorations were also carefully considered to enhance the property’s overall appearance, ensuring a refined and unified finish.

The surrounding landscaping, completed by Portrait Landscapes, complements the architectural work and helps to anchor the extension within its wider setting.

The result is a garden that feels structured, private, and in keeping with the character of the property - an extension of the home rather than an afterthought.

This Grade II listed property underwent a single-storey extension alongside a full interior fit-out and design. The aim was to create a home that works for modern living, while remaining sympathetic to the building’s original architecture and setting.

A key part of the project’s success lies in its carefully selected materials, chosen to sit comfortably alongside the existing structure.

The extension was constructed using handmade rural multi bricks supplied by The Classic Brick Company, paired with traditional white lime mortar. This combination ensures the new addition feels integrated and appropriate, rather than contrasting or overly contemporary.

Internally the handmade brick has been carried through behind the TV wall, creating a striking focal point that ties the extension back to the exterior architecture. Beneath, bespoke cabinetry provides practical storage while maintaining a clean, integrated look.

Italian porcelain tiles run across the floor, offering durability alongside a refined, contemporary finish. Above, bespoke LED lighting has been carefully integrated into the roof lantern surround, enhancing the architectural feature and creating a soft, ambient glow into the evening.

A hidden bar area introduces a more playful, luxurious layer to the scheme. Designed to feel discreet yet elevated, it features antique mirror splashbacks, slim glazed metro tiles, and a bespoke stone bar top. This wraps seamlessly around the exposed structural steel - transforming a necessary structural element into a deliberate and celebrated design feature.