This project is happening right now and we are half way to completion (April 2026).

From the outside this cottage appears small and quaint. It’s not! It’s much bigger than it looks. When compete it will have 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a 35sqm kitchen/diner overlooking a beautiful courtyard garden.

This project started with a great client who was happy for CAN to lead the design process. CAN appointed an architect and worked with him to create a design that not only met the needs of the client but also added value to the property.

Llandaff Village is a conservation area and as such careful consideration needs to be given to the design, how it sits and fits with surrounding architecture and its visual impact. We worked closely with the planners, and after a number of tweaks our client was given planning permission. The project could begin.

The initial challenge was to prepare the ground. A big part of this was taking down a large, dilapidated outhouse and rebuild it as a third bedroom with bathroom. We also had to prepare for a kitchen extension. This initial groundworks phase left us taking out 130 tonnes of soil, building materials and garden waste. We then poured 9 cube of concrete foundations before preparing for drainage, waste and the floor slabs. We have completed this phase.

This project encompassed all elements of the building spectrum. Design and planning, structural, through to build and interiors.

We are turning an unremarkable 2 bedroom cottage into a remarkable and very liveable 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house.

We will use large skylights and tall Crittall style French glazing to brighten up the kitchen extension. We will use wood cladding to add depth to the rebuilt outhouse and to give it contrast from the rendered and painted main house.

We will open the cottage up to provide space but also created a snug because smaller cosy spaces are equally important. This is all about remodelling to get the very best out of this beautiful property. It’s what we do at CAN. We see the potential of space and a model it to be realise that potential.