ARCHITECT REDESIGNS Abandoned Cottage

[@dawnchattin5935]

I love your solution in collaboration with the client. Creativity is born through limitations in any media. I love your videos. Your design elements are apparent in every video as your philosophy and personality are embedded in the plans. Thank you.

[@MARGHERITA-mr6zl]

Dear Gemma your style Is so elegant, minimal and respectful of the original home's soul!

[@janeb3024]

Lucky client! The storage is excellent, the space is wonderful, and the views sublime! My preference would be to limit external finishes to only two in order to promote the sense of calm and simplicity. Another commendable design, Ms. Wheeler!

[@annbrookens945]

I agree with limiting the exterior finishes to two. As soon as you started describing a third material, my head just stuttered no!

[@beatrizparga-e1x]

Great layout for storage and minimalist design. Lovely.

[@antonellabassi3466]

Yes to only 2 materials. Stunning project!!!

[@marlenegreyling8620]

The old cottage style is completely gone and it now look ultra modern. Not for me, but great video ❤

[@AnnikaOrne]

The interior design could easily take a cottage-inspired direction with the same layout, if you ask me!

[@marywiklander-williams6493]

LOVE all the storage. People need to have places to put things. It's a marvellous design. So enjoy your videos

[@kiwigirljacks]

Every video you do I find myself saying “I want to live there, it’s perfect!” And then another comes out and I want to live there as well 😅 I just love your aesthetic so much.

[@purpurina5663]

I love your solution. Would've liked the new section to begin a bit further back on the old structure, that is, leaving part of it as a salient volume, thereby increasing its relevance in the overall design and highlighting the "cute cottage" origin. It could be a prolonged entryway with a mudroom, for example. (English is not my first language, I hope that was understandable).

[@shawnrobertson9618]

It’s so interesting to watch how you both think about space and solve for issues. I really appreciate your creative and wholistic approach. As an interior designer who employs biophilia, space planning, color theory, and neurodivergent design, I wholeheartedly agree that the “intangibles” of feeling comfortable in your space have a massive impact on our nervous systems, brains and bodies. 😊

[@gregpendrey6711]

Biophilic? Sounds right.

[@BbMcC05]

She continous to amaze me with every new design.

[@gemmawheeler]

Glad you enjoy them!

[@Pattio47]

Another amazing design. Gemma you are so talented. I like to watch your videos with total concentration as I would when reading a good book. You are also a good story teller with a very soothing voice.

[@tijencan45]

You are very talented Gemma. ❤

[@rebeccajordan4491]

It’s so beautiful, but I have to admit to being ever so slightly disappointed that you weren’t able to work your tiny space magic on the existing cottage. I know this was a client collaboration and the client is happy, and it’s wonderful to see your “real world” work and not just designing for videos. And I know that this will be STUNNING when completed and I hope we get to see the process. I just wish that more of the cottage was evident in the final design. My favorite Gemma Wheeler design is probably the house made from the ruins, and the way the stone structure and the grasses are integrated into the final design.

[@jimodwyer9110]

I love this design , I particularly like the open fire place , its a real nod to the past where the open fire in the kitchen was a place of conversation and connection .The sliding doors in the kitchen are brilliant , I love how the space opens and closes almost like its breathing .I would love if the window in the spare room went to the floor to capture the view a bit more . Its genius how you have created a bigger space but also kept the feeling of closeness that the smaller cottage had . Brilliant job , amazing talent .

[@petertgeorgiev]

Totally the two materials only. Way more sculptural and clean. Apart from that, yet another stunning project and spaces!!! Amazing job!

[@joshuaboelsche7684]

If only gemma could reassess the visual language of my entire life

[@legoqueen2445]

What a lovely idea! I'm visualising what a youtube video of Gemma going over my life events symbolised by different structures and her architectural changes reflecting what I learned in those moments or how they impacted me, then pulling back to have created this beautifully unique village of my life, quirks, bad bits and all! ❤

[@EH23831]

Gorgeous, Gemma. I think the cladding would be nice in teak that could weather to silver 🥰

[@RonanSmyth-l5h]

Some very nice work as always, as a design technician it would be great to see a "behind the scenes" of your technical software work. You're animations/renderings are something I want to achieve in my own industry.

[@claraibach4560]

I agree! May I ask what programs you are using for 3d modelling and rendering? I'm an interior architecture student and I'm still trying to find a program that works for me :)

[@divadoll55]

I love how you transform a space so perfectly. Your designs are simple, elegant, functional with so much class. You are an incredible architect.

[@nopenadaOG]

Ah Gemma, your videos are so lovely. I love and learn every time. Thank you 🙏🏼🫶🏻

[@jacobrowe4827]

as a current architecture student you work inspires me through my study and reminds me that all the study I'm doing will all be worth it and enable me to make the world a little more beautiful like you do.

[@Elle-kr8od]

I love poring over your beautiful designs. In this case, I especially appreciate the respect for the original cottage, and the decision to summarily whack off the pokey additions. I imagine this was a challenging and fun partnership, having not only a brief, but the additional clear opinions and preferences of the client serving as another useful constraint. I admire the design very much, but agree with the comments about the kitchen, which seems not quite right to me when I envisage myself sitting there. I think having an island that provides additional work surface is very useful, but this one seems to loom over the space. If it were simply work surface and not an additional seating space, that might allow the table to be a real gathering place. As it is, sitting on a bench and having my back against the the window (especially at night) does not seem like a welcoming spot for meals that involve lingering with family and friends.

[@coolcpa3321]

I'm in the "less is more" camp so two exterior materials would do it for me. Beautiful design, as always.

[@NicolaCairncross]

Wonderful. So enjoy your videos. Not loving that huge flat wall out the back though and the patio dining area feels both pokey and exposed. What about extending the floor out a bit and breaking up the wall with a large pergola jutting out to cover outdoor dining area to grow plants up, like jasmine & honeysuckle?

[@neon-kitty]

At the end of the day, if the client loves it, that's the important thing (and therefore feel free to disregard everything I'm about to say xD) but I personally feel like the small cottage feel has really got lost in the final design. I think to keep that, it might've been better to place essentially a second building next to the original one (not too tall so as not to overshadow the original building) and connect them via, e.g., a corridor. Or alternatively make it all one integrated building but have the original bit stick out further from the new part so the new part kind of fades a bit more into the background and doesn't dominate the silhouette so much (but with that solution I feel like you'd still lose some of that cozy small cottage feel on the interior). I really like how bright and light-flooded your design is, though.

[@conniebruckner8190]

As every time, it is wonderful to see your designs and ideas, the rendering, "the walk throughs." Your videos are excellent. As to the kitchen /dining room table: It was not so long ago I sat a guest on such a window bench with the window behind me and although I had a great view, as it grew darker, I did not feel well having that window behind me. It felt like I couldn't lean back. I didn't want to lean back on the window. I longed for a wall space behind me or to sit on a proper chair. Perhaps your client hasn't thought of this aspect for any future dinner guests they might have. I agree with others who mentioned to make the island smaller. It is too dominant in such a kitchen.

[@kathyrobbert1940]

I wouldn’t put in a bench seat. Regular chairs better idea. I’d keep the island as it is. I love islands!

[@d33w]

I'm a simple man, I see a new Gemma Wheeler video and click immediately. Great work as always, loved to see the thought process and discussions you had with the client.

[@SirMikeyD]

Heck yeah, my thoughts exactly. So many architects seem like show-offs - looking at their work, you think "did they somehow not understand that someone has to live there?" Not Gemma. Her solutions are always sensible, elegant and livable - frankly, just delightful! I regret having only two thumbs to raise!

[@sunnivaf992]

This made my day :) Thank you Gemma! Love watching your videos.

[@gemmawheeler]

You are very welcome!

[@MPK1637]

Your designs always seem extremely practical and realistic. True living spaces of reasonable size. Love the patio that you can acess from the utility room.

[@reddskair9523]

You're back! 🎉🎉🎉

[@gemmawheeler]

😁 yup

[@lisakilmer2667]

AS always, your ideas are very interesting. I preferred your earliest iteration of a large dormer for the front bedroom, rather than the raised roof. Mirroring the original roof reads as more graceful to my eyes. I also wouldn't put darker cladding on the top storey of the house, as it is already quite top-heavy. Perhaps the old part could be clad, and the new part rendered?

[@shelleydewees1917]

A masterpiece as always! So interesting that the white cladding goes all the way up and acts as the roof covering as well. Really unified and beautiful.

[@arcboy2011]

As usual, a stunning design from your mind to the screen. If it were me... I would move the second floor main bedroom wall outwards to meet the corner of the chimney wall, overhanging the cottage wall, thus eliminating the need for a gutter system on that wall as well as possible future water intrusion through any of those joints in that area. You could add a nice linear floor grate system to catch the rainwater at the ground level. I would also move the kitchen wall to the edge of the chimney wall to make it a more seamless transition as I find those corners to be debris catchers, the transition between standing seam metal siding and the stucco or stone of the chimney will be enough contrast to keep the aesthetic you were going for. As an American, we probably would have opened the living room to the kitchen but I understand the client brief here. The two material exterior is a great idea and the space planning and design are just amazing. Thanks for being an inspiration to this blue collar designer.

[@signofmars]

Favorite video yet! I LOVE the way you delve into the earliest considerations of the process here, and with corresponding renders of directions that didn't pan out. In any arena of design, so much of a successful end result is what you choose *not* to do, and it's so insightful to see not only what you included, but what you explored and ultimately decided against. I'm sure it adds more work to the video pipeline, so I just wanted to let you know it doesn't go unnoticed!

[@ValerieJohnson-q1x]

In my opinion, one of your best transformations to date. Love it.

[@contactsuzi7096]

This is a stunning transformation. It's so amazing to see the before and then the plan. The interior especially. I don't know how you do it and I very much appreciate that you explain your thinking as you go. It's enlightening. And fun! Thank-you Gemma. xo Suzi

[@stephsalomo6960]

your design ideas are always fabulous, and connecting the spaces we live in with mental health is even more inspiring, thank you!

[@AnnSarasvati]

It’s amazing to see how you took this small cottage and created a beautiful space that honors the original.

[@magspies]

It's goood that the utility room door is external, as it's Ireland...the back door is the one every visitor to the house would go to! Though the kitchen door is more usual, but if there's no access around the side of the house, that's what they'll use.

[@ellenfoster9764]

I so adore your designs! They feel so calming and are just intuitively right. I love the way you connect each building to its history and its surroundings. You are just so thoughtful. If I had not just built a house, of my own design, incidentally, I would have you design my home.

[@blueberryblues3365]

Love watching your videos and how you solve problems. The sketches and how you move plans around is so helpful. Especially the space planning. Wish we had interesting cottagey type places here but they are all developments with similar homes and floor plans. Thank you. Xo

[@akashradia]

Incredible as always. I love the way you describe your thinking, connect it back to architectural principles, but ultimately look to solve a brief that works best for your clients.

[@kathyshea6698]

Your designs are brilliant! I wish I had a space for you to design. I love all your ideas

[@JohnKirwan-zp5fl]

I spent a good portion of my childhood in such a cottage so very familiar. The owners had built on a one storey kitchen with a loo. The two rooms downstairs had good head height. The stairs were very steep while the two bedrooms functioned for the family with 2 beds in each. 6 people lived in the house when I first knew it. A place of refuge for me from my own farmhouse home! Now the owners dead. The daughters dispersed. House sold. I still pass it occasionally. I think your plan incorporates new and old in a happy marriage. Maybe too many ancillary areas which add to cost unnecessarily. But well done. Thumbs up. The buttress puzzles me. NEVER seen one on such a cottage in the south east.

[@irisgallati]

When I hear "cottage", I automatically envisage a house sitting somewhere secretly, out of sight, giving me the right feeling between small and cosy, yet large enough to breathe, standing there, like enchanted, built of stone masoned walls and wooden beams, ready to be surrounded by a flowery garden and some ivy. I think I would not change much in your design, except the floor in the entrance spaces (stone for more durability/cleaning ease) and I would add another window in the kitchen wall above the stove. Envisaging myself standing in the kitchen, and cooking in front of the stove, I felt like staring at a wall that was overman's high. I would add a window there, since It connects the cooking person with the garden, where some of the ingredients might come from, that one is cooking with. I think nowadays, the real luxury is having an own garden and growing own food in it, and then having a moment of thankfulness for this, whilst mindfully standing in the kitchen and preparing something to eat with the himegrown herbs and vegetables. No swimmingpool or big car needed flr me. This is why I would add another window into the kitchen. Or behind the utility storage. So whenever you think you open the drawer, you get natural light into the house.

[@TheDog_Chef]

Love your designs and thought process. Love all the storage you have tucked in. Me personally I’d put a powder room under the stairs and make the downstairs bathroom since it doesn’t have a shower into office space.

[@MichaelRoss]

Fantastic. The default option here in Ireland is to demolish such houses and replace them with McMansions (because planning permission for previously uninhabited sites is very difficult to obtain, but permission to replace existing houses with garish, oversized developments is no problem). Well done.

[@GCBookworm]

There’s definite genius in this design. Love the excellent layout & storage as others have mentioned. I love it, so please don’t take these comments negatively. Personally, I would have leant into the cottage-feel design more to really give the feel of those older buildings where you can see the original Viking build & each era of later additions, perhaps by stepping back the upstairs/outlining the original gable end, using a slate shingle type tile or unpainted brick for one of the cladding finishes, edging the boundaries of different features in a contrast colour (even if the house is white & the border bits are light grey), doing stonework corner ornaments, maybe going for a New England shiplap style finish for the extension/upstairs (just a bit more weathered/textured than the video looks to be). I’d also use more traditional cosy finishes inside. I would prefer less of a ‘nick’ between the chimney and the bay extension too, perhaps making it round on the outside, integrating it into the bay, or making it triangular to create an obtuse angle there.

[@lynneagardineer6879]

I love hearing about your thought process and the design challenges. The final result looks great! Thank you for sharing!

[@kajapulpanova8860]

It looks amazing as always! ♥ But for me the front roofline seems way too busy, a would probably prefer "the older original" side of the roof to copy the original incline even if it ment less headhight on that side.

[@gemmawheeler]

I totally get it. It was a really tricky line to walk between the needs and constraints. I just mentioned on another comment that the thing that really helped me get to a place of being happy with the design was the fact that it was the product of such an engaged collaboration with the client. She shaped it as much as I did and had a really strong vision for how she wanted to live. The form kind of had to ultimately come secondary to that while also taking on a life of its own. It was a really interesting process that I did not foresee at all but I love how much it seemed to meet what was in her mind’s eye.

[@gregpendrey6711]

​@@gemmawheelerset the more flat slope above the original mass back one foot from the main peak. Looks like a proper shed dormer and the new peak is continuous.

[@DustyKornphartz]

I really like the 2nd edition of this. I was not feeling keeping the roof pitch the same as the original cottage, this pitch change and the kick out for the kitchen wake this up for me.

[@finbear]

Oh I love this one! As an amateur designer, I could really relate to your feelings about projects like this one. This video has rekindled my passion for architecture. ♥

[@craigrogers2882]

I think you did a superb job of design, and I think you said client was excited which is what it is all about. Well done.

[@jeromegasser9631]

Really interesting how you took the base of cottage and rebuilt another house. In Geneva where I live there is a house where the outside is cover with copper . With the sun shinning it’s like an other sun shinning.

[@gemmawheeler]

Sounds great!

[@samanthaplatt1123]

Excellent job......as always! I love everything about it.

[@socalstr]

This is the largest project I believe we’ve seen. Yet again you have taken a great leap to go from start to finish. This is such fantastic work. However, I can’t shake the feeling that we have created a lot of underutilized space here. The foyer is massive for what it is. We also have the utility space that I would have found a way to integrate into the greater living area to reclaim that entire space and make the home feel larger every day instead of hiding it (given how small the main floor already is). I also found the exterior to be far too “all over the place.” Windows need to align better and I would have gone with a much more rectangular form and far simpler overall footprint and roof pitch to allow the new the home to talk to the original cottage layout and exterior expression. Meanwhile, your narration, thought explanation, vocabulary, references are absolutely 1st class. More so in this video have you truly explained your thinking and process. And I absolutely loved it. Bottom line. We adore your videos!

[@FurnitureFan]

I also wouldn't hide the pantry if it were mine, but obviously that's how the client prefers the layout - maybe they have pets who'd race through the areas otherwise? I'm certain there's a reason why the foyer works best for the owners; a Christmas tree, or seasonal decor would need hall room.

[@NinaSandcastle]

This is phenomenal. It's so artful and elegant.

[@MichaelKelly-ts5ll]

Another skillfully executed design. Sure you can't please everyone, it's so, so, perdonal. I enjoy watching your work.❤

[@morrigans_cottage]

I’m at the start of my journey, waiting for grants etc. great to see a home project taking place :)

[@sterntaler64]

I love the kitchen and pantry/utility area. Storage for coats and shoes near the entry is also impotant and often underrated. Awesome house 😍

[@tinasesselmann8170]

So great to see what you do to a bigger space. Love the storage! The fireplace was a superb solution. I love the overall shape of the house. Three materials for the exterior wouldn't be too much for me, but I'm not a minimalist.

[@juliamacdonald3767]

Hooray, Gemma day!

[@kerstin4516]

Again a very interesting design. But yet I don't know if I really like it as usual when it comes to your plans. I share the will to integrate tradititional things into modern concepts. This tiny house however vanishes in the block of the new building. The ribs of the metal hull provide the look of a machinery hall on top. Maybe it will look different in reality. I have to think this one over.

[@gillesbrault3689]

Your understanding of forms and shapes is a gift to see, the dance you create is a joy and uplifts my Hearth thank you so much.

[@guyfender5267]

I feel the new bedroom extension would benefit from the ‘mansard like’ treatment for the first floor in the old part of the cottage - just a thought- it looks too stark/boxy

[@timallen6025]

I watched this first half with sound turned off . Why? To see if I might second guess what design parameters you might start with .. ha , not a chance . You nailed it so cleverly . Like all great design , all those clever details and proportions and twists emerge in a wholesome unity . I love it 👍👍

[@MineshShah]

I''m not sure if the cost and complexity involved justifies the retention of the gable wall of the old cottage.... It was an interesting design nonetheless, but to me there doesn't seem enough of the old building in the new design... I'd probably suggest to the client to either start again with a new design which perhaps echos the old cottage in some way. It would offer more exciting possibities, and therofore engagement with the client. I know it is often hard for a client to accept the loss of something they covet, but I think in this case, given that most of the orginal building has been demolished, its the best way forward.

[@tiwo-j9n]

Lovely design Gemma 😊have you ever considered visiting some of the homes that you have designed after their breath of new life? That would be fascinating viewing too 👍🏻thanks for sharing your ideas!

[@alicelong5714]

Wonderful. I get so happy when I see new work from you.❤😊

[@evazigon5288]

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. I just LOVE your work, Gemma. It's so inspired and you really do have an ear for the client's wishes and even life story/character.

[@AmandaGriggs-g4m]

For your exterior materials, I really liked it when you had the three different textures, I thought they blended very well together. I would like to see the roof be black to pick up an additional break in the structure. I feel like the white is almost overwhelming. I love your videos!

[@purplewombat1923]

Practical and beautiful as always, Gemma :-D

[@herenow6953]

As always perfect! I love the creative ways you use space or lack of space - that looks like a perfect solution to the plot -

[@marcturmel924]

That's a tough one for sure, the original building being so small yet cute!

[@lazygardens]

That's excellent. It looks a lot like the "saltbox" architecture of the USA New England area. They often started small and enlarged as family increased or money was available.

[@mamaahu]

So true ! I love being in Vermont and puzzling out the additions. And always have the cow barn attached so no one has to go out in the snow.

[@skyeseaborn1170]

Your design narrations are wonderful. I appreciate every aspect of your design and presentation.

[@esalenchik]

I can never get over how the ideas you come up with fit so perfectly, but are such a surprise to me!

[@dyanalayng5507]

What a successful design! It would be fun to live inside this sculptural house. Good solutions and you explain the thought / design process so well.

[@rneustel388]

This home design is stunningly beautiful and would be a pleasure to live in! I agree about the exterior looking better in the two materials rather than three. Well done! 👏

[@marktahu2932]

What a clever response to the original construction - just watching this brings to mind what some have done in Sydney with the modern home being created behind an 18th Century facade, but your thinking behind it is revealing, how to consider the details in order to process the change.

[@greenspiritarts]

I am always so inspired and fascinated by your design choices and how you give your clients solutions that are totally unique and tick all the boxes on the brief! It is magical, mesmerizing and utterly practical to watch your thought processes in these videos. Thank you so much from bringing us into your expansive, creative spirit. 👏. Love it!!!!

[@lyseclement6628]

I definitely understand why the owner would want to capture those fantastic and peaceful views. The kitchen is so warm and inviting and I also really like how the bedroom ceilings have different angles too.

[@estherstephens1858]

Gemma, I love ALL of your designs. Very clean, modern, most times very minimal yet contains everything one needs. I love the storage and size of utility room in this design. Absolutely stunning. Will you be willing to share if your clients actually used your design plan to build/remodel the homes you showed on this channel. Of course, without disclosing the identity of the clients. Either way, I love your designs. Thank you for sharing.

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you. Yes if I can, I will :)

[@MarquisedeWhat]

I love every one of your designs, and thinking. Bravo. In this one however, as you are asking for feedback, I must say that for me, I love everything about this new concept for the house, except for the window sizes. I’m possibly too traditional in that sense, but it seemed to me that the window sizes were varied without justification, seemingly more arbitrary than coherent. I don’t understand that intention spatially. For me the issue was the southeast wall with the chimney feature where this was most apparent. Although I love the large kitchen windows, the discrepancy between the lower loo window and the one above it bothers me, especially as the gabled side also has differently-sized windows, too. It currently feels more like clash than harmony, although I realize that it must be intentional. If the client and their family practices sports, then the utility room might also be tweaked to function as a mud room. Thank you for sharing your always beautiful and thoughtful designs.

[@lindaroyal8161]

It just amazes me that you have the vision to come up with these unique designs. Each one is so unusual and include all the necessary needs of daily living plus tons of storage.

[@sheilakerr-jones4345]

Such beauty in simplicity. You did it, again, Gemma. ❤

[@megsullivan]

As always, I'm amazed by your depth and sensitivity when designing small spaces. Bravo!

[@si_vis_amari_ama]

Great design. Loved the exterior distinction with the old cottage facade. If I was the client I would request one change. The kitchen is such a beautiful, inviting room, I know that I would want to spend most of my day there. Reduce the size of the island (or delete it altogether) as the dining table is adjacent; its not a family home so the island does not need to be so large. I would (somehow) incorporate a *comfortable* pair of chairs, to sit and read or chat to a friend.

[@AngusmacTV]

Once again deeply thoughtful and beautifully original solutions. I find myself thinking 'oh yes...' at every turn and door opening of the walkthrough.

[@DwightHelt]

I’ve been designing houses on paper and in my head for fifty years. Your work is amazing

[@christinadaviesart]

Another fantastic work Gemma. So amazing to watch your thought processes and use of materials.

[@gailpool4042]

Absolutely fascinating! And so professionally done! Thanks!

[@TeresaBotha-mf5gt]

The last design is absolutely perfect. You are so creative.👌

[@ann-mariejensen2623]

I enjoy listening to how you reason through things. I think your design ideas are brilliant.

[@carolbulmer8253]

WOW! This design is brilliant!

[@reejoyce6305]

Absolutely stunning again. Your creativity is amazing and your styling is stunning.

[@louieb.1564]

new gemma wheeler video dropped, lets go!!

[@ashleypierce8500]

Please please add an exterior element that duplicates the shape of the original house front (here 11:13) with a similar piece on the back, jutting out a little at the utility area entrance (minus the buttress). That tall flat plain back portion is killing me. LOL love your work!

[@DonPRIDE-q4q]

Hi Gemma, I love this design. As feedback, would the client consider a repeat of the original gable and rendered surface in the north western corner around the utility room? My thinking is it would add to the building-within-a-building theme and create the impression the original cottage still existed but had been diagonally expanded and the new addition installed between the two ends.

[@-MacCat-]

I always enjoy watching your work and the thought processes that underpin it. Thank you Gemma.

[@wisecanadianwoman]

What a beautiful design Gemma. One of my favourites.

[@cloverhighfive]

the adjacent room to the kitchen with the sliding doors gave me emotions 😍

[@carolinekaufman2210]

Your back! I'm so excited to watch :) Thanks for sharing!

[@kopkar16]

I like what you've achieved here and really enjoy your creativity in resolving these small places. In the example, I feel the original building has gotten lost a little, especially on the inside. My opinion of course. If the client loves it, then frankly that is all that matters. Congratulations!!