The Old Fox >

 

Updating a Grade II Listed three-hundred-year-old former pub to create a warm and comfortable modern family home.

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Photo credit - Lucy Butler-Walters

 
 

LOCATION: WEST OXFORDSHIRE
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER: HENDA KNOBEL
PROJECT VALUE: CONFIDENTIAL
DATE: 2024

The Challenge

We discovered that the existing chimney was not structurally sound. The decision to design a new freestanding chimney structure was made to mirror the size and shape of the existing one, without relying on support from the 18th-century timber frame.

Photo credit - Lucy Butley-Walters

The SOLID Approach

Working closely with architect Henda Knobel, contractors Barr Build and the local conservation officer, we chose to rebuild the chimney using reinforced hollow blocks, clad in reclaimed material from the original chimney and painted to match. The meticulous dismantling of the chimney salvaged as much of the original fabric as possible.

Thank you to Lucy Butler-Walters for the fantastic photos.