Richard O'Hanlon Studio

Richard O’Hanlon Studio is an enthusiastic design led architecture practice, based in Bristol.

We create uplifting and delightful architecture that brings joy to the day-to-day.

We take the time to understand the unique character of a location, whether it’s an open space or an existing building, rural or urban.

We build relationships with the people we work with, to really understand what they need from a project.

Richard O’Hanlon Studio
Spike Island Workspace
133 Cumberland Road
Bristol, BS1 6UX

richard@rohstudio.co.uk
07728 380 733

Garden Cottage
Warwickshire, 2022

The site consisted of a disused swimming pool inside a steel framed building, with a south-western aspect looking onto the client’s well tended garden and the fields of rural Warwickshire beyond. The client wanted to live in closer connection with her garden but felt demolition and rebuilding would be the best way to achieve a dwelling to meet her requirements. After an in-depth briefing and design process, a scheme was proposed that avoided demolition, improved the thermal efficiency of the existing building and retained an echo of the swimming pool character. 

A larch mezzanine structure has been constructed over the footprint of the existing pool. Beneath, the depth of the pool will be used as a study and bedroom for guests. Above, a bridge offers the occupants a vantage point of the house and the garden. The insertion of the mezzanine structure neatly defines a kitchen and dining area, a snug and a master bedroom suite. Each feel distinct from one another and provide an atmosphere suitable for their function, whilst sharing one large space with views out to the garden.