Construction Update V1 – Structural milestones reached at Tanglin House | Leamington Spa
Sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing construction of Tanglin House in Leamington Spa. Transforming the traditional property into a contemporary, light-filled family home has required the significant structural reimagining you would expect from leading architects in Warwickshire. The site is currently a hive of activity as the core framework of our design begins to take shape.
As luxury residential architects, we understand the importance of comparing the photographs of the existing property in 2021 with the construction currently underway. The juxtaposition is a meaningful tool to demonstrate the scale of the transformation taking place. The ambitious two-storey extensions to the front, side and rear will fundamentally redefine the DNA of this building.
[Construction photograph of a two-storey front extension - comparing the original dwelling in 2021 with current 2026 construction activities]
[Construction photograph of a two-storey rear extension - comparing the original dwelling in 2021 with current 2026 construction activities]
Breaking Boundaries: Steelwork and Open-Plan Living
The interior photographs capture one of the most exciting and complex phases of any extensive residential remodel undertaken by high end residential architects: the structural adaptations. To achieve the expansive, open-plan living spaces our clients desired, substantial portions of load-bearing masonry walls have been removed.
In their place, heavy-duty structural steelwork has been successfully installed. The steel columns, beams and frames provide support to the upper levels whilst opening up the ground-floor layout. Temporary acrow props are still visible on-site, as the building continues to transition to the new and permanent structural strategy.
[New structural opening connecting two of the principal living spaces, with the main axial hallway crossing through the middle]
[Temporary acrow props on show as we transition to the new structural strategy]
Framing the View
Upon entrance to the original dwelling, the hallway was enclosed and led to downbeat cellular spaces. We have established an axial visual link from front to back. A generous light-filled hallway welcomes you and the sightline of the rear garden creates intrigue, inviting you deeper into the space.
Perpendicular to the axial front to back hallway, new structural openings to key living spaces have been aligned, creating a cross-link. This introduces interplay and flexibility to the ground floor programme, enabling living spaces to be opened up and connected for larger social gatherings.
[The generous hallway has a beautiful sightline leading to the private rear garden space]
The original dwelling suffered disconnection between internal and external spaces. One of the primary architectural goals for Tanglin House was to forge a stronger connection between the home's interior and the rear garden. The new blockwork at the rear elevation clearly illustrates this vision coming to life.
As can be appreciated by the site photograph looking outwards to the rear garden, the wide structural apertures will flood the new kitchen and social areas with natural light and allow the living space to seamlessly spill out onto the rear patio once completed. Overhead, the new timber floor joists for the first-floor extension have also been laid, giving a true sense of the volumetric space we are creating.
[A framed view within the rear extension capturing the rear garden with a large rooflight that will flood the Kitchen space with natural daylight]
It is always incredibly rewarding to see the lines from our architectural plans transition into physically built outcomes. Tanglin House is well on its way to becoming a breath-taking modern home.
We are looking forward to seeing further development over the coming months.
To view the design concepts and learn more about the final vision for this property, visit the complete project profile here: Tanglin House Portfolio
Do you own an existing dwelling that is in need of a creative touch? If you are looking for house extension architects in Leamington Spa, contact us to discuss how Unity Architects can provide professional architectural services for your project.
Expert Content Written by: Jason Laity BA(Hons) DipArch DipAP RIBA [Founding Director and Principal Architect] of Unity Architects.