Orangerie House

Although the existing house already has an impressive footprint the kitchen was comparatively small. The idea for this extension was inspired by orangerie greenhouses for growing fruit which were popular additions to Victorian houses. This interpretation utilises a birch plywood structure whose crisscrossing frame not only acts like trusses to provide a strong stable structure but also echoes the lead of a Victorian stained glass window. The glazing consists of translucent insulation sandwiched between two sheets of single glazing. This is very cost effective but also creates a translucent wall through which the constantly changing shadows of the surrounding trees are visible throughout the day. A number of important views are made visible through transparent windows in the frame. The orangerie is built on existing cellar walls maintaining the ground plan of the house. Trees were to be planted at basement level and these protrude through the floor of the kitchen which is suspended among the canopy of the tall trees within reach of their fruit. Stairs provide access to the basement which houses the utility room, wine cellar and storage.