Heslington Lane, York

Nestled among a row of red brick period properties in a quaint village just south of York, the derelict old garage had sat empty for 10 years. Vincent & Partners put forward proposals to sympathetically reconfigure the original workshop buildings into a 3,200 sq.ft. single dwelling with large roof terrace, and an additional 1,000 sq.ft. of covered parking, leisure and potential workshop space. The team secured planning consent from York City Council in 2017.With insufficient natural light and very few windows, the project presented a number of challenges. A traditional residential layout was turned on its head and the main living space positioned on the first floor, maximising the natural light, character and architectural features of the building. Light pours in through a long run of skylights and high-level windows, meticulously positioned between exposed original timbers and trusses in the dramatic pitched roof.

Inherently the property was completely landlocked with no external space. Following the removal of a lean-to roof structure, the Vincent and Brown team created a much needed recreational outdoor area, accessed through full-height, glazed sliding doors off the main living space. Beyond, the generous and completely private walled garden incorporates a stunning living wall and unparalleled roof-top views.

Externally, the unassuming façade conceals exceptional levels of privacy and seclusion within. Through an enclosed, cobbled street and past an ingenious car-turning circle, lies a magnificent four-bedroom family home. The sensitive restoration and sympathetic design has painstakingly preserved the industrial fabric of the building and secured the future of the old car garage with a stunning new identity and purpose. The project was completed in August 2018.