Project Overview
Completion of Cloud Lodge; a luxury bungalow conversion in Derbyshire involving significant extension and alterations located in the village of Mappleton on the fringe of the Peak District National Park, the property commands panoramic views over the picturesque Okeover Estate. Originally an October 2024 start, the project evolved significantly over its duration, with a four-month extension to accommodate an expanded scope of work.
The scheme primarily involved the addition of an entirely new first floor covering the original footprint of the bungalow designed to capitalise on the property’s unique vantage point overlooking the open countryside.
NB The final internal decorating, flooring, and specialist cinema fit out were completed via other contractors and/or the client’s direct partners.
Site and Construction
Due to the significant weight of the new upper floor, the project required advanced engineering solutions from the outset.
- Foundation Reinforcement: We used resin injected pile foundations, a modern technique used to ensure the existing structure could safely support the additional storey.
- Structural Integrity: While initial plans called for six structural steels, further assessment led to the installation of 11 steels in total.
- Unexpected Challenges: During demolition, a primary load-bearing wall in the oldest section of the bungalow was found to be of poor quality. We built a full replacement to ensure safety, an essential requirement that impacted the original June 2025 completion date.
- Roof Repairs: Significant rot was discovered in the single-storey lounge roof, which was fully replaced, providing an opportunity to add an additional 8 solar panels. Further increasing the property’s energy efficiency and solar net gain.
Design and Features
The architectural redesign has completely altered the profile and feel of the home, prioritising light, height, and views.
- The First Floor: This new level houses a master suite with en-suite, a dedicated cinema room, and a striking contemporary gable and viewing gallery.
- Viewing Gallery: A 4.6m high feature window creates a stunning viewing gallery, framing the views.
- Internal Volume: The ground floor was fully insulated and fitted with underfloor heating throughout, replacing the original radiators. This increased floor height to combat this all ceilings were raised, and door openings were increased in height by 70mm.
- External Modernisation: The aging exterior has been revitalised with glass balustrades replacing old stone versions, and a Dutch-style herringbone patio in light grey brick. The entrance now features durable gabion basket steps finished in porcelain for superior drainage.
Sustainability and Modern Living
Cloud Lodge has been upgraded from an aged, damp-prone bungalow into a modern energy efficient house.
- Heating and Ventilation: The original oil-fired boiler was replaced with a state-of-the-art Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and an MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system was installed to ensure constant fresh air and efficient temperature control.
- Energy Generation: Sunken solar panels were fitted into the roof structure for a seamless look, with an additional eight panels added to the lounge roof.
- Exterior Finish: The final phase involves rendering the ground floor, which ties the new and old elements together, completing the property’s journey from a traditional bungalow to a high-performance, stunning modern house.
