Project Overview
Our clients purchased Woodlands, located in Draycott in the Clay, Staffordshire, in 2021. At that time, it was a 3,000 sq ft home in need of full renovation, as the property had fallen into a poor state of repair. In 2022, planning approval was granted for extensive renovations, extensions, and modernisation.
The project involved demolishing two-thirds of the original property and extending it to the front, rear, and side, increasing the total size to 4,000 sq ft. The redesigned L-shaped house now includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a library, cinema room, gym, and several glass balconies, including two triangular balconies off the master suite.
A key feature is the striking angled front gable, finished with Swiss Pearl Patina cladding, and a standing seam aluminium roof fitted with in-line solar panels and a battery system. The former triple garage has been converted into a multifunctional space with a top-floor games room, gym, changing rooms, and storage, while still retaining part of the building as a garage. At the rear, an elevated porcelain patio features a sunken 5.8m x 2.4m swim spa and hot tub, connected to the main house by a frameless glazed link with a floating staircase.
Site and Construction
Though the site at Woodlands is elevated, it did not present major construction challenges. However, the build was highly technical and non-traditional requiring a detailed specification.
The project involved demolishing two-thirds of the original 1970s structure and laying new foundations for the extended L-shaped footprint. The house was extended to the front, rear and side and topped with a standing seam aluminium roof featuring interlocking panels and in-line solar panels. A striking angled front gable added complexity to the external construction.
At the rear a large elevated porcelain patio effectively up to 6 metres above ground due to the site’s slope—required precise engineering to support a sunken 5.8m x 2.4m swim spa and hot tub. The former triple garage was structurally adapted with three dormer windows and a new roof. The project took two years to complete.
Design and Features
Completed as a spacious and modern family home, Woodlands offers five bedrooms and five bathrooms, blending thoughtful design with advanced technology and bespoke finishes.
Premium Velfac windows and doors are installed throughout, featuring slim sightlines and high energy efficiency ratings. Every window, including the triangular ones, is fitted with electric custom blinds.
The kitchen and utility rooms were designed and installed by Steven Christopher, while bespoke joinery enhances the lounge and library spaces.
The house is fully integrated with smart technology and includes a ground source heat pump alongside a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system. The entrance boasts a large pivot front door.
A unique feature is the ‘Narnia’ cupboard—a cleverly concealed door within a kitchen unit that leads through to other rooms. The staircase serves as a striking focal point with its fan-like design, steps that decrease in size as they ascend, a circular landing with a glass balustrade and integrated LED lighting for a contemporary finish.
Upstairs, the landing continues the design excellence with bespoke cedar-slatted fitted cupboards that complement the high ceilings; these cupboards have hidden openings and do not resemble traditional storage units.
Sustainability and Modern Living
Woodlands is a standout example of how sustainability and modern living can be seamlessly integrated into a new home.
The property features a durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant standing seam aluminium roof. The materials are sustainable, recyclable and require minimal maintenance. The roof has sunken, in-line solar panels and a backup battery system that allows the home to generate its own power and contribute surplus energy back to the grid.
Heating and ventilation needs are met through highly efficient ground source heat pumps and a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, which reduces energy loss and improves indoor air quality.
The front elevation showcases striking Swiss Pearl Patina cladding boards, prized for their durability, low maintenance and contemporary aesthetic.
Inside, the home offers a wealth of modern living features, including a frameless glazed link with floating staircase that connects the main house to the gym and leisure wing. With an emphasis on wellness for this family there is also a sunken swim spa and hot tub set into an elevated porcelain patio.
The kitchen is a large, modern open plan, zoned space.
Woodlands embodies both sustainability (energy generation, sustainable materials, long-lasting design) and modern living (wellness spaces, architectural innovations, seamless indoor-outdoor connections).
