PROJECT: The Zinc House
LOCATION: Mistley, Essex

A smarter, more efficient home

The opportunity to replace an outdated single storey house on a generous, long held family plot became the starting point for a more considered and contemporary design.

A Fresh Start

The original 1970s brick bungalow offered four bedrooms but little sense of space. Its wide footprint and poor performance made it uncomfortable and inefficient, prompting a rethink. Early plans to extend were quickly dismissed, as they would not resolve the core issues. A fresh start made more sense.

Rebuilding from the ground up allowed for a smaller footprint with greater impact. By introducing a second storey, the design not only improved efficiency but also captured elevated views across the surrounding woodland.

Natural light and a strong connection to the landscape became central to the scheme

Large windows and sliding doors bring the outside in, filling the interiors with daylight and framing views of the garden and woodland beyond.

Inside, the layout balances openness with flexibility. Living spaces can expand for entertaining or close down for quieter moments, with a separate snug providing retreat when needed. The dining area is carefully positioned to maintain separation from the kitchen, creating a cleaner, more considered social space.