Mayor House

Contemporary Design in a Protected Landscape

Mayor House is a contemporary extension to a 19th-century home within the Surrey Hills National Landscape (formerly AONB). Designed in close collaboration with the local planning authority, the project demonstrates how modern architecture can successfully enhance a traditional property while responding sensitively to one of the country's most protected rural settings.

Replacing an unsympathetic existing extension, the new design brings light, space and a renewed sense of connection to the surrounding landscape, while respecting the scale, character and architectural language of the original house.

"In my view, it is an example as to how a contemporary designed extension to an older building in the Surrey Hills AONB replacing an unattractive built extension can be sympathetic to the original building and give it vitality."
Surrey Hills Planning Adviser

Respecting the Existing Architecture

The extension has been carefully proportioned to establish a clear dialogue between old and new. A contemporary timber canopy continues the horizontal brick banding of the existing house, while the first-floor addition echoes the proportions of the original gables without replicating them.

A lightweight glazed link separates the new accommodation from the historic building, honestly expressing the transition between architectural eras while preserving the identity of each.

The rhythm of the timber cladding and window openings takes its cues from the proportions of the existing façade, ensuring the contemporary intervention feels considered, balanced and complementary.

Living with the Landscape

The new ground floor transforms the way the house is experienced, introducing generous open-plan living spaces that extend onto a sheltered covered terrace overlooking the Surrey Hills landscape.

Deeply recessed glazing allows natural daylight to penetrate the interior while carefully reducing light spill after dark, an important consideration within this protected rural environment. The result is a home that feels open and connected to its surroundings without compromising the dark skies that define the landscape.

Materiality and Craft

A restrained palette of timber, brick and glass creates a contemporary architectural language that sits comfortably alongside the original house. The natural materials weather gracefully over time, allowing the extension to integrate with its rural setting while remaining confidently modern.

Every design decision, from proportion and detailing to material selection and environmental performance, was informed by the unique character of the Surrey Hills, resulting in an extension that enhances both the house and its landscape.