Modern Architecture
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Creative Thinking Yields a Lakefront 'Living Room'
Careful planning leads to a new structure and location for a stellar view
This sleek lakeside structure in the Cotswolds, England, at first seems to have little in common with the 1860 stone barn set 200 feet behind it. However, the contemporary space actually has the same basic structure, materials and specifications as the renovated barn and main house.
A waterfront extension of the historic home, it evolved as an alternate living space due to planning constraints on the beautiful property. Architect Andy Ramus built the small space over the water to fully take advantage of the view.
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Lower Mill Estate area of Cirencester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Size: 81 square meters (871 square feet)
A waterfront extension of the historic home, it evolved as an alternate living space due to planning constraints on the beautiful property. Architect Andy Ramus built the small space over the water to fully take advantage of the view.
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Lower Mill Estate area of Cirencester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Size: 81 square meters (871 square feet)
The lakehouse came to life due to a planning constraint in the Lower Mill Estate community. The client wanted a living room with a large window overlooking the lake in the main house, but the rules of the estate's planning committee didn't allow a large glazed area in the walls of the historic barn and main house. As a compromise, Ramus designed this separate "living room" with open views across the lake.
The client wanted the new structure to look like it floats on the water. The glass-encased living space provides 180-degree views of the water, nature and wildlife.
Ramus wanted to keep the landscaping as natural and undisturbed as possible. This boardwalk winds its way to the main house. The path "creates a journey through the landscape," he says. The lakehouse itself has a very minimal amount of contact with the landscape, almost floating above the ground.
The new living space is set up very simply. Ramus put the kitchen and bathroom at the rear, by the main entry. The entrance hall sits in between these two functional spaces.
The small entry hall immediately opens out into a single open living space that looks out onto the lake through sliding glass doors. A balcony surrounds the entire home so the client can revel in the pristine setting.
The structure uses the same materials as the main house, including light fittings and plug sockets. However, Ramus interpreted them in a more contemporary manner. "I suppose this means the material palette chose itself," he says.
During construction, there were very few buildings nearby, making for an extremely private location. However, growth on the estate now means that residences surround the property, so the only private views are those that face the lake. Luckily, natural vegetation also helps to maintain privacy.
"The contemporary design of the boathouse sits in perfect harmony over the lake, and its use of glass reciprocates the emotions of the water," says Ramus.
To create a sturdy structure over the water, Ramus had deep piles driven into the lake bed. The steel frame was built on land and then lifted into place on the water. "It was a nerve-racking day to see if it fitted," admits Ramus.
Set off to the side, a glass cube surrounds Adirondack chairs as an ultramodern version of a gazebo. The gazebo provides completely open views of the surrounding landscape and protection from the weather. The all-glass structure has no visible fixtures or fittings; it's held together with industrial glue.
The contrast between the historic main house and the new lakehouse is particularly striking from this overhead view.
"We wanted to create a beautiful juxtaposition from the old to the new," says Ramus. "The barn is so strong in its traditional style that we did not want to try and detract away from its beauty by replicating it in a neighboring building."
"We wanted to create a beautiful juxtaposition from the old to the new," says Ramus. "The barn is so strong in its traditional style that we did not want to try and detract away from its beauty by replicating it in a neighboring building."