MY ROLE
Architectural Assistant — design development, CAD and technical drawing.
Originally developed at [Practice name to be confirmed]. This project is shown as part of my professional portfolio and does not represent work undertaken by Dan Ash Design.
Project Introduction
This project transformed a derelict traditional cottage in the Gwaun Valley into a comfortable and contemporary family home. The design balanced careful restoration with purposeful intervention: repairing and renewing the existing building while adding the accommodation and functionality needed for modern life. Traditional cottage forms, proportion and character were retained, while a restrained timber-clad extension makes a clear yet respectful distinction between old and new.
Restoration and adaptation, rooted in the character of rural Pembrokeshire.
Location
Project Type
Building
Status
Architectural elevations — the restored cottage and timber-clad addition are designed to read as one coherent rural home.
Plan studies — a reorganised home, sleeping loft and new accommodation support comfortable family living.
Sectional study — existing cottage, sleeping loft and extension are connected through a clear, practical internal arrangement.
Site plan — the proposal responds carefully to the building, gardens and wider Gwaun Valley landscape.
Material palette — render, Welsh slate and natural timber support a quiet dialogue between the original cottage and the contemporary addition.
The project was guided by respect for the cottage’s proportions, character and rural setting. Repairing the existing fabric and introducing contemporary additions allowed the building to be brought back into productive use without losing its sense of place. Natural, contextually appropriate materials and an improved internal layout make the home practical, comfortable and enduring.
Restoration
Bringing a neglected and derelict building back into use.
Old + New
A clear, respectful relationship between the historic cottage and contemporary extension.
Whether you are restoring a cottage, adapting a family home or considering a carefully integrated extension, every project begins by understanding the place and the people who live there.
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