The Woodland Wonder: A House of Wood Shingle by Forgework Architects

There’s a certain undeniable charm to taking something perfectly adequate and transforming it into a masterpiece, especially when it involves the architectural equivalent of a chic, rustic makeover. That’s precisely what UK architecture studio Forgeworks has accomplished with their latest triumph: the renovation of a rather unassuming bungalow in Bath, now gloriously cloaked in a stunning skin of cedar shingles. Aptly dubbed A House of Wood Shingle, this isn’t just a house; it’s a testament to thoughtful design and a keen eye for integration within its natural surroundings.

Perched gracefully on a wooded hill, nestled within a conservation area on the fringes of Bath, this bungalow was reimagined for Celia McCarthy, the visionary founder of the interior design practice Richardson Studio. Crucially, despite the existing 1960s structure being deemed devoid of significant historic merit (meaning they could have just knocked it down and started fresh), both Forgeworks and McCarthy committed to a commendable “fabric-first approach.”

This meant rolling up their sleeves and opting to retrofit and re-clad the home, breathing new life into its existing bones rather than resorting to demolition. After painstakingly re-insulating the exterior, the entire structure, from walls to roof, was meticulously clad in small, exquisite blue label Canadian cedar shingles. Forgeworks aptly describes this as enhancing the “purity of the overall form,” and we’re inclined to agree; it’s a visual delight, hinting at a cozy, yet contemporary, woodland retreat.

Beyond its compelling exterior, the interior received an equally thoughtful overhaul. The entrance, for instance, was cleverly relocated from the front to the side of the dwelling, now leading into a long, welcoming corridor. This central artery artfully divides the bungalow into distinct eastern and western halves. To the west, you’ll discover the more public, open-plan dining and kitchen spaces, culminating in a captivating mono-pitched living room.

This volume dramatically opens up, strategically positioned to frame and embrace the breathtaking views across the rolling landscape. All of these west-facing areas spill out onto a multi-tiered terrace, gracefully stepping down the hillside and seamlessly blending comfortable seating zones with areas of verdant planting – perfect for those long, contemplative evenings.

Venturing to the eastern side of the home reveals a series of skylit bedrooms, each thoughtfully oriented to capture the gentle morning light. The main bedroom, taking pride of place at the northernmost point, even shares access to a cozy, private terrace with an adjoining TV room – ideal for quiet contemplation or a lazy Sunday morning.

For the interior palette, Forgeworks collaborated closely with McCarthy, infusing playful pops of pinks, yellows, and greens into the corridor and bedrooms. This vibrant touch provides a delightful contrast to the more muted, serene finishes found in the living areas, which feature a sophisticated combination of lime-plastered walls and exposed spruce beams, creating an inviting and harmonious living space throughout.

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