Firsby Cottage

Firsby Cottage is a transformation of an old, dilapidated house by a reservoir into a modern home that is suitable for the family who live there. The cottage had been overrun with various extensions and add-ons over the years and needed an overhaul to be liveable again.

The house is in a quiet, rural location, and constrained by its size and an outdated, unusable layout. The client’s vision was clear; they wanted a light-filled, functional home that maximises the views of the surrounding landscape while respecting the existing character of the building.

CE+CA Studio’s design introduced a sleek design with clean lines, expansive glazing and a roof that allowed it to blend in with the horizon. DYSE’s role was to ensure this vision was buildable. We engineered bespoke steelwork to support larger windows and cantilevered roof forms, making sure that structural integrity was met without having to compromise the minimalist aesthetic. Careful detailing allowed old and new elements to meet seamlessly, preserving the charm of the original cottage while enabling bold choices by the architect.

From the early stages, DYSE worked closely with CE+CA Studio and Terry Huggett Developments to align structural requirements with design intent. We were able to adapt quickly to the site conditions, using iterative modelling and clear communication to resolve challenges before they impacted the programme schedule or cost. This proactive approach ensured the project progressed smoothly and delivered what the client wanted.

The finished home is a celebration of how to combine modern and rural living. Generous open-plan spaces, uninterrupted views and a refined material palette create a calm, contemporary environment. Behind the scenes, structural ingenuity underpins every detail, enabling the architecture to really shine through.