A Staffordshire couple’s wish of building a retirement home with a 21st century twist has been fulfilled thanks to the inspiration and guidance of their architects.
After 12 house moves during their married life Richard and Jennifer decided the time was right for one exciting final project – an innovative, modern one-storey property which would be fully ‘future proofed’.
Two years later they are thrilled with their dream hillside home in Kinver, designed by Bridgnorth-based architects Johnson Design Partnership.
The house has a large open entrance with glass lobby, spacious, light contemporary kitchen-living area, bifold doors to the garden and balconies with overhanging roof adding extra protected space.
Its two bedrooms both boast luxurious en suite bathrooms and the integrated double garage features a lift straight up in to the house.
Externally it has a rendered finish, sandstone cladding, slate roof, aluminium windows and soffits for low maintenance and striking ‘rain chains’ which direct rainwater without the need for guttering. Internally its open pitched ceilings have been enabled through the use of timber laminated beans – known as glulam structures.
Richard explains that he and Jennifer wanted to downsize from a five-bedroom house to a flexible property which would meet the challenges of old age, including any potential disability needs.
“It is very exciting that after two years of consultation, design, planning and building this has now been achieved.
“And we could not have succeeded without the encouragement, courtesy and considered guidance from Johnson Design who made some inspired interpretations of our wish list.
“They took our specific instructions and made them work – creating a low maintenance residence with a modern feel and easy access – built to modern standards and contemporary design. We are very pleased.”
Vic Johnson of JDP said the house reflected current design approaches to ‘whole life living’, enabling the client to live in comfort within a fully accessible and flexible open plan space.
His fellow director Matt Spinks, who oversaw the project, commented that he was delighted to see it completed.
“It’s a great feeling to walk around a special new place you have helped create from a clients’ initial vision – it’s one of the reasons I became an architect.
“The project had had the support of Kinver Parish Council and the conservation officer and was voted through by South Staffordshire councillors.
“Everyone has worked hard to create a beautiful structure that is elegantly placed within the natural gradient of Dark Lane.
“The clients’ selection of colours and materials has given it a subtle contemporary twist that takes on aspects of the Kinver environment. This new home is evidently a 21st century build and it sits very comfortably here.”
