This stunning space was achieved by removing two small rooms upstairs, including all the wooden floor joists, and installing large steel beams to create one large open room with vaulted ceiling. Keeping in place the upstairs windows (but replacing all the front windows with heritage aluminium windows) and adding Velux room lights lets in huge amounts of light and greatly increasing the illusion of space impact to the vaulted ceiling.

 

A clever design of a mezzanine level allowed the space for the large vaulted ceiling whilst also creating an open plan living space upstairs that looks out over the kitchen, and a separate utility room positioned underneath the mezzanine ceiling allowing access to the garden, perfect for muddy boots and dogs.

 

Installing oak beams to the ceiling and around the windows and stonework detail between the windows gave the space maximum drama and impact but remains in keeping with the heritage of the cottage.