Cedar Lodges

Unlocking the Potential of a Compact Site

Cedar Lodges transforms an underused garage plot in Winchester into a pair of contemporary semi-detached homes that demonstrate how thoughtful design can maximise the potential of constrained urban sites.

The brief was to create two high-quality, two-bedroom homes that sit comfortably within their established residential setting while providing generous living spaces, private outdoor amenity and sheltered parking. By carefully balancing density, daylight and privacy, the project delivers two modern homes that make efficient use of the site without compromising the character of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Designed for Light and Privacy

Although compact, the homes feel bright and spacious thanks to a carefully considered approach to natural light. Living spaces are orientated towards the south, taking advantage of the site's sunny aspect while maintaining privacy from neighbouring properties.

Large areas of glazing and glazed gable ends draw daylight deep into the interiors, creating bright first-floor bedrooms without overlooking adjacent homes. Every window has been carefully positioned to frame views, admit light and protect the privacy of both residents and neighbours.

Contemporary Form, Contextual Design

The architecture takes its cues from the simple proportions of traditional urban houses, reinterpreting familiar forms through a contemporary architectural language. A clean rectangular plan and pitched roof create a restrained silhouette that sits comfortably within the existing streetscape.

The narrow gable presented to the road reduces the building's visual impact while giving the development a distinctive identity.

Materiality

A carefully selected palette of cedar, zinc and white render gives the homes a timeless and understated character. Vertical cedar cladding introduces warmth and texture, gradually weathering to a soft silver-grey that allows the buildings to blend naturally with the surrounding planting and boundary treatments.

The standing seam zinc roof references the roofscape of nearby St Giles Hill, while the white rendered base visually anchors the buildings to the ground, creating a balanced composition that is both contemporary and respectful of its setting.