Peak Architects re-imagine contemporary living for a 19th century hunting lodge

13th October 2020

Sheffield and Hope Valley based firm, Peak Architects, has received planning approval for a contemporary sub-terranean extension to a 19th Century Grade II listed property, Thickwood Lodge, set on the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park.

Originally constructed as a hunting lodge by the Duke of Rutland in the 19^th century, the proposals for this contemporary dwelling will see the lodge restored to its original glory having undergone a series of unsympathetic modifications and extensions in the 20^th century.  The Lodge boasts a tower that was constructed as one of a pair and is a near identical to its counterpart, White Edge Lodge.

As part of the proposals the tower will be unwrapped from its current wrap-around extensions allowing the tower to stand proud within the landscape. A lightweight glazed block lightly touches the tower, providing a link to a simple linear contemporary extension partially sunk into the landscape to minimise its visual impact and blend into the adjacent open moorland.

The extension provides extended family accommodation with a large open plan family room, orientated to maximise daylight and panoramic views across the surrounding Peak District moorland to Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire landscapes.

With sustainability at the heart of the scheme, this design proposes a ground source heat pump to provide low level heat and an energy efficient Mechanical Heat Recovery System (MVHR).  It also utilises high levels of insulation and triple glazing to minimise heat loss and control solar gain by minimising south facing openings and introducing brise soleil.  A packaged sewage treatment plant, water recycling and green roofs are also incorporated. 

Peak Architects’ Director, Paul Holden, 

said: “We are delighted with the successful planning outcome.  The scheme certainly challenged the planning and conservation officers’ initial expectations and it was through sheer perseverance and extensive collaboration with the Peak Parks Planning and Conservation Teams that this simple, elegant contemporary extension was approved.”