We were excited when approached to look at this scheme for the client. So often structure is concealed within masonry or behind plasterboard; it’s thoroughly refreshing when a client is bold enough to allow the structure to be fully expressed.

The client wanted to introduce a dedicated dining room back into the house after the existing one became the children’s play area. The natural solution for their executive house in Redlynch near Romsey was to build in the mostly square space between the large double garage and the main house.

They needed to include access into the converted space above the garage in this new development, however the planning conditions only allowed for a single storey with a pitched roof to match the existing garage.

After some development it was decided that the best solution was to design a special exposed truss to accentuate the space and allow access via a spiral stair to the area above the garage.

The result was a crafted timber truss with a steel tie which provides a dramatic focal point over the dining space.