Arwel House – an amazing transformation
Arwel House, a mid-twentieth century detached brick-built house located in Stableford, in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside, has undergone an amazing transformation.
Built in the 1950s, the original house had seen better days. Its jaded and disordered appearance had suffered from years of wear and tear and somewhat unsightly later alterations and additions.
The owners of the house initially intended to demolish the entire building and to start afresh by constructing a new house on the 1.5 acre plot of land, however their architect, Benjamin Machin, came up with a much more sustainable and cost effective plan.
Retrofit Windows and Oversize Doors: A Contemporary Family Home at Arwel House
Key Takeaways:
- Location: Staffordshire
- Retrofit scope: Full renovation and two-storey rear extension
- Gowercroft products: 22 Hardwick Flush Casement Windows, 3 Melbourne French Doors, 1 Peveril Lift and Slide Door
- Timber: Accoya® with a long-lasting protective coating
- Benefits: Enhanced thermal performance, light-filled interiors, and timeless visual appeal
- Architect: Benjamin Machin
Why Did the Homeowners Want to Retrofit Arwel House?
When architect Benjamin Machin wanted to reimagine this tired 1950s home, his goal was not simply to extend. Instead, he sought to reveal the building’s potential by enhancing its connection to the landscape and removing unsympathetic additions.
“We wanted to bring out the best by stripping away the dilapidated and discordant elements, in order to celebrate the character and idiosyncratic details of the original house in a more meaningful way.”
Benjamin’s design journey was rooted in simplicity, light, and storytelling, reconnecting the home to its rural Staffordshire setting and creating a place that his family would love for years to come.
To achieve this, he stripped out the poorly constructed sunroom and veranda, replaced failing PVC-u windows, and created a new two-storey rear extension for additional living and bathroom space. to provide additional living and bathroom space. A ramshackle veranda and sunroom, at the front of the property was removed, along with its degraded PVC-u windows and joinery.
How Did Gowercroft’s Products Improve the Garden Room?
At the heart of the transformation was a new light-filled garden room.
The original sunroom was dark and enclosed. Gowercroft’s bespoke doors and windows opened up the space, bringing natural light into the heart of the home and offering seamless views to the garden.
That had to go!
Our handcrafted joinery helped realise Benjamin’s architectural vision by introducing light, warmth and visual continuity.
Now, the rear elevation features a bold white façade with matching white timber-clad columns, referencing the original veranda. Large glazed openings are set between the columns, drawing natural light deep into the house.
The new façade included:
All of these were built from Accoya®, finished with our durable, microporous coating to ensure low maintenance and long life.
What Makes Gowercroft’s Timber Windows and Doors Ideal for this Retrofit?
Our Accoya® joinery helped bridge the material palette: blending the original red brickwork and quarry tiles with the lighter new extension. With our expert installation and guidance, the transformation was both functional and elegant.
“Gowercroft’s windows and doors strike the right balance between low maintenance, energy efficiency and innovation and a heritage rooted in traditional joinery and craftsmanship. Their slim profiles have an elegant simplicity with carefully considered sightlines that complement the overall design.”
— Benjamin Machin
How Did This Retrofit Transform the Home?
Gowercroft’s timber doors and windows were key to unlocking a new way of living. They brought in daylight, improved energy efficiency, and reshaped the relationship between the house, garden, and landscape.
Inside the new garden room, two covered external spaces offer flexible outdoor living. One side has become a family dining area, the other a play space for grandchildren, blurring the boundaries between home and nature.
Read more about Arwel House and Benjamin Machin in this article in Architects Journal
Photography: Freddie Marriage
Why Choose Gowercroft for Retrofit Windows and Doors?
This project shows how Gowercroft’s timber joinery can completely transform a property, delivering modern performance with traditional values. From the first conversation to final installation, our team worked closely with the client to achieve a flawless result.
We understand the needs of retrofit projects, especially where architecture, heritage, and sustainability come together.
Ready to retrofit your home with beautiful, long-lasting timber windows and doors?
Contact our team to discuss your project.