MULBERRY COTTAGE

Location | Epping | CM16 Year | 2020 Client | Private Client Designer | Bourne Architects Status | Completed

Mulberry Cottage is a locally listed building that was part of the mid-19th century private enclosure of Epping Forest. It is a two-storey Victorian detached dwelling dated c.1860, with a twentieth-century two-storey extension to the south. The existing east and south elevations are of smooth render incised with ashlar lines with decorative quoins and classical window surrounds. The roof is formed with a double-pile construction and is covered in a grey slate with two stock brick end stacks. The interior of the building is a little altered, and the original plan layout is fully legible; this is enhanced by the original interior features such as the deep skirting, fireplaces and staircase.

This project is a design-build proposal developed by Bourne Architects and Bourne Management and Building. Collaborating together in order to create this traditional revamp of the interior spaces with a modern contemporary design which compromised of a whole-house interior design refurbishment and extension of a laundry room. Our design is derived from the unique qualities of the existing space, enhancing the quality of space using materials and furniture.

Mulberry Cottage was complemented with a beautiful garden area that extended towards Epping Forest; this allowed a delicate reflection on the integration of a new building into a natural setting, not intending to dominate the landscape but to be a part of it. With the traditional decorative quoins, sash cottage windows kept the space to offer this traditional English cottage appearance.