Bespoke Eco Build & Full House Renovation, Lillingstone Lovell

Overview

What began as a modest horseshoe-shaped stone bungalow has been reimagined into a 3,000 sq ft high-efficiency family home. The transformation blends the character of the original structure with a bold, double-storey barn-style extension, full envelope upgrades, and a renewable-first energy strategy.

Cognitive Construction managed the journey from early planning and building control through to seamless on-site delivery, shaping a home that unites heritage, performance, and contemporary design.

Client goals

Create a future proof home for long term living and retirement.
Keep and enhance the original character while adding light, space, and modern tech.
Deliver high energy performance with low running costs.

Challenges

Site drainage and flood risk on heavy clay ground.
Conservation and planning sensitivity for design features such as a first floor balcony.
Integrating new structure with the retained stone bungalow while achieving airtightness and thermal performance.

Our approach

Discovery and design

Requirements mapping with the client for space, light, access, and efficiency.
Options design with our architect to rework the existing horseshoe plan and add a super insulated extension.

Planning and Approvals

Full planning and building control submissions, managing architect and structural engineer.
Separate balcony application during construction to capture evolving client needs.

Fabric, services, and renewables

Full envelope upgrade: floors, walls, and roof super insulated.
High performance glazing throughout.
Underfloor heating across approximately 390 sq m.
MVHR for controlled ventilation and airtightness performance.
Air source heat pump integrated with roof solar PV and battery storage.
Smart energy management to time-shift consumption onto cheaper tariffs.
EV charging provision.

Groundworks and water management

Deep interception drain and soakaways upslope to divert runoff.
Sump and automatic pumps beneath the floor as a resilience layer.

Delivery and handover

Turnkey coordination of trades and specialists.
Ongoing relationship to add the approved balcony and final photography.

Results

This home has been completely transformed. What was once a quiet rural bungalow is now a bright and contemporary retreat designed for long-term comfort and efficiency.

Natural light fills every space, creating a sense of calm and connection between the old and new parts of the house. The renewable systems work quietly in the background. The air source heat pump, solar panels, and battery storage keep the home warm and running costs low throughout the year.

Behind the scenes, engineered drainage and concealed pumping systems protect the property through heavy rain and changing weather.

The result is a home that reflects its owners’ vision. It feels grounded in its original character but looks firmly to the future. Comfortable, efficient, and beautifully crafted, it is a place designed to be lived in and loved for many years to come.

Technical Snapshot

Approximate area: 3,000 sq ft.
Heating: Air source heat pump, full UFH.
Ventilation: MVHR.
Renewables: Solar PV with battery storage.
Envelope: Whole house insulation upgrade and high performance glazing.
External works: Retaining walls, landscaping with Indian sandstone.
Status: Core project complete. Balcony fabrication and install scheduled.