This is a replacement of a simple Everest conservatory - with a double curved, self-reciprocating, stressed skin, cantilevering composite timber roof!

The client wanted a space with a bit more climatic stability, a little less glare and little more privacy but to retain the light and relationship to the garden.

They also wanted to use the existing foundations and retain the floor; slab, underfloor heating and tiles. We needed to design a lightweight roof that would take advantage of low winter sun, shade the summer sun, provided more privacy but have sufficient glazing to connect to the small garden.

One side was close to a neighbouring property and it was crucial that the eaves on this side were no higher than the existing structure. We proposed a double curving roof plane that was kept very low on one side but peeled up in the corner towards the most open aspect, where there were no buildings and lots of sky. A clerestory all round lifts the roof and makes it appear to float.

The final design is a double curved, self-reciprocating, cantilevering composite timber roof structure, supported along one edge and on six small steel columns.

The result is a space that can be used all year round and at all times of day. The exposed roof is the focus point providing delight to all visitors and continued satisfaction to the owners. Its warm and tactile finish encourages guests to reach up and touch it as it sweeps down to only just over 2 meters from the floor. The full height frameless glass corner enhances the garden connection and exaggerates the height of the raised corner. This was a very economical solution to the brief, but the cost did not compromise the ambition or success of the project. The roof beams cost £1000 to supply the LVL material and a further £600 to CNC cut. In total the project cost £35,000.