Tucked away in the upscale Golden Triangle neighborhood of Norwich, UK, Cast Corbel House has been revitalized by architects from Grafted. The refurbished dwelling now features a rear extension adorned with a modern geometric precast and brick facade, demonstrating a fusion of innovative materials and expert craftsmanship.
Commissioned to breathe new life into a Victorian home frequented by a large family, Grafted has reconfigured the layout to optimize key living areas, resulting in bright, functional spaces that are ideal for hosting guests. The essence of Cast Corbel House lies in its commitment to superior craftsmanship, exemplified by the bespoke precast panels enveloping the new extension.
Previously a five-bedroom detached dwelling with a challenging ground floor layout characterized by limited natural light and views, Cast Corbel House had undergone a lackluster renovation in the 1990s, leading to issues of accessibility and cold, unwelcoming spaces. Grafted’s intervention aimed to address these shortcomings through informed material choices and thoughtful design solutions.
The clients’ secondary desire for a better work-life balance was a key factor in guiding Grafted to reconfigure the ground floor plan. This resulted in a new layout that distinctly separates office space, rest areas, and social zones. The practice focused on maximizing functionality to accommodate the growing needs of the client’s extended family.
Upon entering the home, visitors are now guided through a reorganized hallway that offers views of the garden. The utility room was replaced with a more efficient laundry configuration hidden behind oak panels. Grafted preserved the original heritage tiles in the foyer to maintain the building’s character.
In the kitchen, Grafted showcases their ability to create beautiful, functional joinery. Handcrafted cabinetry, chamfered edges, and a bespoke spice drawer add a level of personalization not typically found in standard kitchen designs. The use of natural materials in the kitchen enhances the connection to the garden and creates a warm interior ambiance.
The design approach throughout the interior focuses on reconnecting the clients with the unique qualities of their home while incorporating high-quality contemporary details. The dining area is positioned under a gently pitched roof, next to a central column that separates it from the kitchen. The layout and design of the kitchen, with direct access to the garden, were intended to create more active space for the occupants.
The new studio’s design ethos is reflected in their attention to material connections. The expansion is enriched by a pattern of red bricks arranged in columns, drawing inspiration from the existing brickwork. The use of corbelled precast masonry showcases Grafted’s hands-on craftsmanship and ability to establish a harmonious relationship between the past and future through subtle references and decorative material applications. This dedication is further highlighted in Grafted’s meticulous fabrication process, a fundamental aspect of Cast Corbel House and the firm’s philosophy.
Grafted crafted inverted molds from plywood and rigid foam, into which a vibrant red pigmented concrete was poured. They developed and implemented their own motorized vibrating table to eliminate any remaining air bubbles, resulting in sleek precast facade panels.
Following a facade support design by Banfield Wood, the firm successfully executed an ambitious undulating pattern using 82 precast panels, a significant portion of which were unique ‘specials’. This unwavering commitment to precise craftsmanship embodies the core values of the practice, emphasizing a profound attention to detail.
The landscape design concept created by studio gb utilized Grafted’s expertise in providing a circle of hand-polished terrazzo coping stones to top off an already existing circular pond. The initial stage of the landscape design showcases a radial paving layout and a warm selection of plants, contrasted by a lush background of established trees and vegetation.
Cast Corbel House, serving as the inaugural project for the up-and-coming firm, exemplifies a desire to reshape conventional notions of design and construction. Grafted’s dedication to merging top-notch design with expertise and artistry enables customers to attain personalized, cost-effective designs regardless of the project’s size.