Cedar-Clad Extension And Garden Studio / 2PM Architects

Architects: 2PM Architects
Year: 2025
Photography: 2PM Architects
Lead Architects: Peter Wraight and Mathew Byron
Location: Colchester, Essex
Country: United Kingdom

In rural Essex, 2PM Architects has completed a cedar-clad extension and garden studio for a 1930s thatched cottage, creating contemporary spaces for living, working, and recreation while maintaining the character of the original home. The design features a gabled extension clad in western red cedar and zinc, linked to the cottage by a glazed connection that defines a subtle threshold between old and new. Inside, open-plan spaces combine polished concrete floors, exposed oak beams, and extensive glazing that draws in natural light and frames garden views. The separate garden studio, composed of two compact volumes, houses a gym and office lined in warm plywood. Together, these elements form a cohesive ensemble that unites craftsmanship, sustainability, and sensitivity to context, offering a model for modern rural living that respects its surroundings.

Cedar-clad extension and garden studio / 2pm architects

2PM Architects approached the Colchester project as an exploration of continuity between tradition and modernity. The practice sought to enhance a 1930s thatched cottage without diminishing its vernacular charm, introducing a contemporary extension that responds to the proportions and material palette of the existing structure. The new gabled form mirrors the rhythm of the cottage while asserting its own architectural presence through clean detailing and a refined use of natural materials.

The extension’s cedar fins and folded zinc surfaces create a tactile and visually layered composition that captures light throughout the day. This considered materiality anchors the new volume within its rural context, establishing a dialogue with the surrounding landscape. A glazed link separates the extension from the original thatched structure, allowing the new addition to read as a distinct yet harmonious component within the overall composition.

Internally, the reconfiguration of the ground floor introduces a calm, flowing arrangement centered on an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area. The material palette of polished concrete, oak, and glass lends a sense of durability and warmth. Large sliding doors open to patios on either side, encouraging cross-ventilation and connecting daily life to the surrounding garden. Rooflights positioned above the main living zone further enhance daylight penetration, maintaining a bright and spacious interior throughout the year.

Beyond its functional expansion, the design enhances the homeowners’ engagement with the landscape. The garden, characterized by mature protected oak trees, now plays a more active role in the experience of the house. A secluded outdoor bath screened by cedar fins introduces a contemplative element, while the transition between interior and exterior is managed with sensitivity to privacy and natural rhythms.

Environmental performance was a guiding consideration throughout the project. Passive design strategies, including deep cedar gables and brise-soleil fins, reduce solar gain, while triple-glazed openings and robust insulation minimize heat loss. The concrete slab contributes thermal mass, stabilizing internal temperatures and reducing energy demand. Materials were chosen for longevity and minimal maintenance, allowing the architecture to age gracefully within its natural setting.

At the far end of the garden, a standalone studio complements the main house through form and material continuity. Comprising two distinct yet connected volumes, the structure accommodates both a home office and a gym. Its sculptural roofline incorporates a frameless rooflight, filling the interior with daylight, while plywood linings fold seamlessly into integrated desks, shelving, and seating. The careful joinery reflects 2PM Architects’ attention to detail and the desire to craft spaces that combine function with tactile quality.

Externally, the studio’s cedar shingles and vertical fins over black-stained battens echo the extension’s palette, reinforcing the architectural coherence across the site. A timber deck projects into the garden, framing views toward the lawn and trees while providing an informal space for work breaks or exercise. As with the main house, the studio balances openness and enclosure, fostering a sense of retreat without detachment from its environment.

The project demonstrates how contemporary design can reinterpret rural domesticity through measured restraint and precision. By aligning modern performance with local character, 2PM Architects has produced an architecture that feels both rooted and progressive. The extension and studio extend the cottage’s legacy, ensuring it continues to evolve with the lifestyle and environmental values of its occupants.

Through its nuanced relationship between architecture, landscape, and heritage, the Colchester project exemplifies a sensitive response to rural living. Each element—old, new, and natural—contributes to a cohesive whole where craftsmanship, material authenticity, and environmental awareness shape a home attuned to both past and future.