WHITE COTTAGE
A considered transformation, crafted for family life.
PROJECT TITLE: White Cottage
LOCATION: Berkshire
COMPLETION DATE: October, 2025
PROJECT TYPE: Renovation & Extension
ARCHITECT: Absolute Architecture
DESIGNER: Absolute Interior Design
A comprehensive renovation, rear extension and garage conversion has transformed White Cottage into a contemporary family home, while retaining the character of the original property. Bespoke joinery, carefully coordinated interiors and a network of local specialists bring quality and craftsmanship to every part of the finished house.
White Cottage required a complete rethink of the existing house, with significant structural alterations creating a new layout and connecting the original building with a new rear extension. The garage was also converted into usable accommodation, forming part of the wider reconfiguration.
As main contractor, we managed the full project, from structural works and construction through to the internal fit-out, mechanical and electrical services, finishes and external works. Each specialist package was coordinated as part of one shared vision for the home.
DESIGN AND APPROACH
White Cottage is a comprehensive transformation of an existing home, combining a new rear extension, garage conversion and whole-house refurbishment. The project retains the character of the original property while creating a more contemporary, functional home for family life.
As main contractor, we managed every stage, from significant structural alterations through to the detailed internal fit-out and external works. Careful planning and coordination were essential to integrating the old and new construction, bringing together specialist trades and suppliers around a shared vision.
KEY FEATURES
Whole-House Renovation & Extension - comprehensive refurbishment, rear extension and garage conversion, delivered through a coordinated team of local tradespeople and specialist suppliers.
Structural Transformation - significant alterations and new steelwork by Riteweld Engineering, with masonry delivered by Forge Construction, integrating the extension with the existing home.
Bespoke Joinery & Carpentry - skilled craftsmanship from Crabbe’s Carpentry, alongside bespoke joinery and carefully detailed internal doors.
Coordinated Kitchen & Fitted Rooms - kitchen, utility, pantry and boot room delivered by The Kitchen Room, bringing consistent cabinetry and finishes to the working areas of the home.
High-Specification Bathrooms - sanitaryware supplied by Newbury Bathrooms, with specialist trades working together to coordinate brassware, tiling, lighting and joinery.
Integrated Lighting & Technology - mechanical and electrical services delivered by WTM and CDC, incorporating architectural lighting and integrated AV and audio provision.
Stone Finishes & Garden Connection - materials from Quorn Stone and Mandarin Stone, with French doors and external hard landscaping connecting the house to its surroundings.
Local Expertise, One Team - One Oak brought together local businesses, tradespeople and craftspeople, managing each specialist package with a shared commitment to quality and attention to detail.
SITE CONSIDERATIONS AND PLANNING CONSTRAINTS
Working within the existing property required careful sequencing of structural alterations, temporary works and the installation of new steelwork. Particular attention was given to the junctions between the original house and rear extension, ensuring the two were properly integrated.
MATERIALS AND SUPPLIERS USED
Mandarin Stone | Quorn Stone | Newbury Bathrooms | The Kitchen Room | Crabbe’s Carpentry | Forge Construction | Riteweld Engineering | CDC Electrical | WTM Plumbing
RESULT
The completed White Cottage balances the character of the original house with contemporary spaces tailored to family life. A cohesive material palette, bespoke finishes and a carefully considered layout bring the transformation together.
The project reflects our approach to complex, design-led residential work, where the quality of the management and coordination is as important as the construction itself. By bringing skilled specialists together and maintaining close attention to detail, we delivered a home crafted to endure.
