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Collection by Kelly Dawson

One Renovation to Rule Them All

A firm restores a home from a number of unorganized additions.

Before TDO architecture + design studio arrived at this property outside Windsor, England, it appeared as though many others had descended on it first. Additions to the 19th century cottage had distorted its original shape and its historical details were lost in a structural mess of good intentions. The firm wanted to restore the home’s cozy features, but also decided to build an extension. This goal resulted in a design that redefined the house: a southern-facing window display overlooking the front courtyard. The extension introduces clean lines of natural wood that extend to the rear-facing garden. It’s a modern touch that doesn’t feel overbearing and it bolsters a feature that will never go out of style–sunlight.

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Exposed American oak was used to create sightlines that capitalize on England’s notoriously fickle light.
Exposed American oak was used to create sightlines that capitalize on England’s notoriously fickle light.
Exposed beams continue into the kitchen ceiling, where minimal details and contrasting dark shades emphasize the natural materials. The window frames are positioned as “fins” to draw in just enough southern-facing light to keep the room comfortable.
Exposed beams continue into the kitchen ceiling, where minimal details and contrasting dark shades emphasize the natural materials. The window frames are positioned as “fins” to draw in just enough southern-facing light to keep the room comfortable.
Large Mosa tiles are used throughout the ground floor, unifying the kitchen to the rest of the home.
Large Mosa tiles are used throughout the ground floor, unifying the kitchen to the rest of the home.
One of the main goals of the renovation was to refurbish and preserve the home’s original 19th century characteristics. The new addition works to add a modern element that complements the past.
One of the main goals of the renovation was to refurbish and preserve the home’s original 19th century characteristics. The new addition works to add a modern element that complements the past.
A brilliant shade of white paint keeps attention on the details. The exposed beams are carried into the extended living space, which includes a dining and living area.
A brilliant shade of white paint keeps attention on the details. The exposed beams are carried into the extended living space, which includes a dining and living area.
Exposed American oak continues to the other end of the cottage and looks out into the garden.
Exposed American oak continues to the other end of the cottage and looks out into the garden.
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