Semaphore

Contemporary Living for a Listed Farmhouse

Semaphore Farm is a contemporary extension to a Grade II listed farmhouse, designed to transform the way the house is lived in while preserving the character and integrity of the historic building. The project introduces generous open-plan living spaces alongside a new study and family bathroom, creating a home that better supports modern family life without compromising its agricultural heritage.

The design demonstrates how carefully considered contemporary architecture can complement listed buildings through contrast rather than imitation, allowing both old and new to retain their own identity.

Connecting Heritage and Modern Architecture

A lightweight frameless glazed link forms the transition between the original farmhouse and the contemporary extension. Rather than creating a seamless blend, the transparent connection establishes a respectful dialogue between the two buildings, clearly expressing the evolution of the house over time.

This restrained intervention allows the historic fabric to remain legible while introducing light-filled contemporary spaces that reconnect the home with its gardens and surrounding landscape.

Designed for Self-Build

Working within a carefully managed budget, the project was developed to support the clients' ambition to self-build much of the extension themselves. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) were selected to create a highly efficient prefabricated structural shell, enabling rapid on-site assembly and reducing both construction time and material waste.

Close collaboration throughout the design process ensured the architectural vision and construction methodology worked hand in hand, allowing complex detailing to be resolved before fabrication and giving the clients confidence throughout the build.

Materiality and Sustainability

A simple palette of Siberian larch and expansive glazing gives the extension a calm, contemporary character that sits comfortably within its rural setting. The natural timber softens the architecture and will weather gracefully over time, while carefully positioned glazing fills the interior with daylight and frames views of the surrounding landscape.

The highly insulated SIPs construction, combined with high-performance glazing, delivers excellent thermal efficiency and long-term environmental performance, demonstrating how sustainable building methods can successfully complement historic homes.

A Sensitive Contemporary Addition

Semaphore Farm illustrates how modern architecture and traditional buildings can coexist through clarity, restraint and thoughtful detailing. By combining contemporary design with an efficient self-build construction strategy, the project creates a home that respects its heritage while providing flexible, light-filled spaces designed for modern family living.