I Kept The Roof Off - But Made This Ruin a Beautiful Home

[@gemmawheeler]

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[@Finny_finn_finn]

I want to send you my family cabin...and see if you can make it a livable (retirement) home for myself

[@gemmawheeler]

Do! You can send it to me through my website - gemmawheeler.com

[@florentinalily]

looks amazing. As a plantsman I am not exactly clear on how you are going to manage the trees or the fernery behind the glass panels; how you are going to clean the glass or how you are going to mitigate root damage and stop the trees stretching up to the light and thereby obscuring their original form. Its a perfect place for moulds to take hold without any air circulation around the base.

[@BubbleLandia]

Without a doubt, this would be my dream home. I was so relieved to see the upper floor deck. I love how you'd still be quite hidden, sunken below the original stone, while still enjoying all the nature and views! Very romantic! I also loved the reading nook. The kitchen being up high is quite perfect, as it gives this sense of seclusion while also being fantastic for private dining al fresco. The downstairs having these bedrooms that feel like tranquil nature vaults is perfect. There is even hidden storage and practical bathroom features!

[@susipaterson8185]

Fantastic, imaginative. One of your best. Thank you for the upload.

[@gemmawheeler]

My pleasure, thank you for the support!

[@renaemilia36]

thank you foir watching

[@watercolornewbies]

This is genius! I love the way you've managed to make the building modern but also preserve the history. Agree this is one of your best

[@Mizri1]

Repurposing that beautiful dormer to border a rooftop terrace is just such next level creative thinking. I adore everything about this.

[@boveysteers7320]

I just spent perhaps my favorite 1/2hr of my life dreaming along with you Gemma. Thank you.

[@0M0S01A]

I didn't expect this reimagined design. Just brilliant!! Wow! 😮

[@lorrainethomas241]

Now, this is a splendid example of thinking outside the box. J'adore! Happy holidays, Gemma.

[@renaemilia36]

merry christmas so nice to see you here

[@valarya]

You have one of the most imaginative architectural minds in existence!! What a wonderful vision. Merry Christmas, Gemma! 🎄

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you! You too!

[@petemavus2948]

​@@gemmawheeler I have to agree with @valarya. You never cease surprising me with your innovative clarity and impeccable taste. Your channel is my Oasis here on KZbin. Thank you for everything, Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year ! Sincerely, P. 💜

[@27Spiritgirl]

I SO agree!!!❤

[@TheUnshatterd]

Incredible! Absolutely gorgeous architecture. The fact that you have respect for the old while also minimizing the impact of the modern structure, while maintaining a sense of grandeur in small footprint building is exceptional. I hope you can continue your profession for a while. I'm studying architecture myself after having finished a bachelor in urban planning. While I'm nowhere near as talented as you, I hope in the future I could collaborate with you on building my own home. It would be an honor!

[@bradwatson7324]

I love it! My only concern is building too close to trees sometimes kills them. And tree roots can cause foundation issues as the tree matures.

[@jmk1962]

I did wonder about the roots myself as I believe silver birch tree roots spread horizontally.

[@antonwulp]

Or cleaning the windows ;)

[@greenspiritarts]

I think I would opt for some imaginative sculpture that would allow moss to grow on it…but yes, all those light wells would need access for garden maintenance and glass cleaning…but what fun they would be! Imagine a mirror installed in a moss garden to reflect the sky!!

[@Sujowi]

A green wall would be a better solution…orchids!

[@robblincoln2152]

When I was little, my working class, rural family spent 8 months in England. As a child I was fascinated with the ruins-still am! This is an amazing re-imagining of a home and place. Thank you for sharing!

[@danieltobias9742]

That's such an inspirational design, creatively integrating the existing with the new. The result is so much more beautiful and rich than any new-build house. Thank you.

[@Celeste-dp5ur]

I think this is your best yet!! Incredible

[@jeremyshell]

Absolutely genius. Beautiful and brilliant. Like all your designs but this is next level. Thank you so much.

[@leasachapman]

My very soul screamed no! It looses the charm and warmth I crave with this kind of structure. I am sure many will love this design but it is not for me.

[@ShelbyBumbface]

Wow. Unbelievable. Moved to tears. Stunning

[@TamaraJoy7]

When we entered the upstairs patio in the old ruins and looked through that old window I thought, “ she’s nailed it! Brilliant!” What an incredible way you’ve linked the two buildings with respect to the past. My only concern would be trying to clean the glass exteriors of the enclosed courtyards.. I’m loving all the glass until I think, wow, that’s a lot of window cleaning! 😅

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

If the site and view are accurate, then I think it's a wonderful decision to create a reverse floor plan to take full advantage of the views from the upstairs living areas. Love the light well/internal courtyards that create a beautiful connection between the historic structure and the new updates. Beautiful, as always. Happy holidays, everyone 💚

[@Josh-yr7gd]

I really like how you show us all parts of the rooms from different viewpoints and that you pause the narration to give us time to explore the layout.

[@smilingstillness70]

this one is really special...for me, the best so far...you are really a great...

[@schweizermadel3810]

Fantastic design, dear Gemma, very imaginative! Always a real pleasure to watch your videos! Merry Christmas!

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you, merry Christmas to you too!

[@schweizermadel3810]

@@gemmawheeler ♥

[@dawnchattin5935]

I so appreciate the time you take to explain your thought process during the creative planning. This interpretation of finding the balance between respect for the historical past and the modern convenience is your best work thus far. There is so much intrigue in the design that a resident would never be bored living there contrasted with so many common banal, slick and soul-less contemporary homes. Thanks!

[@abbywebster8343]

Wow this is creative genius! The window positioning and angles alone create a beautiful and inspirational space. I could really imagine myself living there!

[@Agentxile]

Gemma, you are an architectural magician. I love what you did here. I always looked at ruins as tear-downs. Now, however, the new challenge is to find the coolest one.

[@brigittecrombez]

it is not the first time I admire your work, but this one is so beautiful, wauw.

[@Nurolight]

Love this design. Incredible use of the original footprint and views.

[@shawnw.4440]

This may be my all time favorite. The way the entry is so minimal and clean but hiding the bedrooms and bath. And the courtyard windows to get a 2nd source of light into the room is brilliant.

[@sarahtyster7342]

I absolutely love it, it's very very beautiful, my concern is the planting - a lot of trees will find it quite hard to grow upwards and planting fully grown will be problematic without a proper irrigation system. likewise the ferns. I'm sure that given teh cost of this build all that would be put in, but a rootball of a tall silver birch will be pretty bit, c.f. the size of the internal courtyard, and likewise if it's too free draining the tree will die. I've seen three new large silver birches die in a much larger space for the rootball after being put in. these are just gardening thoughts on those issues, but the design is absolutely incredible.

[@gemmawheeler]

That’s very interesting and absolutely not my area of expertise! We put a full grown silver birch in a small courtyard of a new build and as far as I know it didn’t have any issues by the time I saw it again several years later. Again though, I know very little about trees so maybe didn’t know what signs to look for. This is the beauty of seeking out specialists to answer these kinds of questions!

[@LindaGrey-wm9uc]

Phenominal vision and design! Now i want to build an old stone ruin around the house, to try to capture this delightful ambience!

[@sun1one1]

This is my favourite design of yours. I'd buy it in a heartbeat!

[@lynneagardineer6879]

Amazing! I love how you envisioned a new home while keeping so much of the stone ruin. It would be a lovely place to be. Thanks for sharing!

[@lauraellenellen]

Wow that was so beautiful!! One of your best I think. I love watching your videos - the way you reimagine old and tiny spaces is so creative and interesting to watch. Thanks for sharing your process!

[@gemmawheeler]

You’re very welcome. Thank you for your support.

[@maryannsmith1960]

I love, love, love the balance between ancient and modern. Perfect.

[@jageun7488]

I have never wanted to live in a design more! absolutely gorgeous (I miss the closet doors opening lol)

[@mirisoji8406]

This is the most amazing design I have ever seen!!! If I am ever fortunate enough to build our home, I will definitely call you! Georgeous, stunning, genius way to reimagine the space! I would have never thought to do. You are a truly highly skilled professional!

[@Theophilus388]

All I can say is Wow! Hi Gemma, I'm a follower from the Philippines. I am amazed at your spatial intelligence. You find and create space in a very simple and elegant way. At the same time, you maintain the character and historical value of ruins of a house. So wonderful. I look forward to more houses, reimagined, reborn. Merry Christmas from Manila, Philippines!

[@arcboy2011]

Always a pleasure to see a new video from you. This one is just as lovely as the others before it. I did recommend you to Hank and Emma Lowsley Williams at Chavenage House, Tetbury, Glos. as they have some farm buildings that need to be re-purposed. Hank and Emma were getting married last weekend and then Christmas, so it may be awhile before they get to your KZbin content, but I remain hopeful they will read my comments and get in touch.

[@gaylenehill2783]

Hi there. I am no artist in any way, shape, or form. I love the old ways of design, purpose, and romance. But watching this video of how you would transform a beautiful old ruin into a modern home had me catching my breath. Stunning

[@wesleyschol6182]

Beautiful, sophisticated, elegant, celebratory, practical, dramatic, intelligent. Stunning!

[@seaknightvirchow8131]

Your imagination and creativity is such a gift. The partially crumbled gable court yard is my favorite part of the whole design.

[@cherivanhoover9663]

So gorgeous and creative! I really love the look of this amazing transformation. I have some practical questions... How do you get into those internal courtyards to weed, water, add/subtract plantings, and wash the glass? Since the old masonry is unprotected from weather, what keeps it from continuing to crumble around you? And in that beautiful living area upstairs, is there a way to put a rail or wall to keep you from tumbling down those stairs without destroying that beautiful view?

[@cherivanhoover9663]

Never mind about the access to the courtyards. I see you've already answered that below.

[@gemmawheeler]

Hi! Thanks for the thought you’ve put into this! So you could hinge one of the glass panes for each of the courtyards to gain access for maintenance. The stonework you would restore and stabilise as part of the construction process and could be maintained as normal too. And for the internal stair there is actually a glazed panel to protect from it - I rarely go for glazing in this way but couldn’t miss out on that view! Thanks again!

[@richardaskinner]

An extraordinary use of a ruin and modern materials to create a dramatic but human-scale composition that is, at once, abrupt in its setting and assertive that humans made this possible.

[@BaldursPicketFence]

Incredibly imaginative.this is one of the best builds Gemma, you saved the best one for Christmas.

[@joeypeacock1673]

Always a great day when you post a new design. Much love and respect, Gemma. Happy Holidays.

[@scorc1504]

Stunning!

[@bonnitacal]

So creative, and I loved the layout and design.

[@RachelShadoan]

I think this may be my favorite one of the redesigns you have done! I love how you’ve kept the gable window unobstructed so it still frames the sky so dramatically. And the tiny strip of garden in the first bedroom feels so luxurious!

[@Terri_MacKay]

Amazing!! Flipping the living and sleeping spaces was such a good idea. The bedrooms are cosy, with the amazing views of outdoors and the courtyards with the stone walls. The living room and dining room also have fantastic views, and that great piece of stone wall integrated into the space. I'd love to sit out on that terrace, surrounded by the old roof line. By adding the addition, you were able to save the old roofline, instead of being forced to build up to create more space. There are views of the old building's walls from just about every window in the house, and that's what I love the most about this design.

[@shawnrobertson9618]

Gemma, you have outdone yourself, which is saying a lot. Stunning. Love, love, love the offset and “shadowing” of the of original form, light wells/interior-facing gardens, flipping the function of the floors, the contrast in materials, and the outdoor roof space. What a delightful place to experience and exist.

[@elizabethtatum-soprano]

This is just stunning! It has numerous elements I just love - incorporating the hollowed out spaces to make the terrace & courtyards (as a birder I would be in heaven seeing any birds coming to safely visit), the excellent hidden storage spaces, and the 2 staircase options. Wow.

[@petemavus2948]

I'm in total awe. Seriously, this challenging intervention has crystallized itself in organic brilliance. The interplay of comparisons and contrasts are truly mesmerizing.

[@tinasesselmann8170]

That dark timber really makes a difference and gives it a very midcentury-modern feel. I love your ever creative solutions! Not replacing the roof and turning that part into an outdoor space was brilliant, really.

[@melissamoeller9608]

Wow, what an incredible project. And the location is gorgeous! It genuinely looks like something out of the fairytale.

[@jmk1962]

I know I say this every time, but this is my new favourite of your designs Gemma, it is superb. For once I'm speechless.

[@PinkCrab456]

Such a strong intervention sitting happily and respectfully alongside the original structure. Wonderful work!

[@SDsearcher]

Oh my gosh. This is so beautiful! I want to live there! ❤

[@franknd24]

Brilliant re-imagining!

[@AndrewRalte-t2z]

Absolutely brilliant. I couldn't come up wit a better solution.

[@grigorisgirl]

This is stunning your best yet. Such a clever idea to keep part of the old just the way it was. No way is it the dreaded façadism but a clever tilt to the past whilst bringing in a new building. Love it

[@estherstephens1858]

I am so emotionally moved by old homes/structure just thinking of our ancestors having been there, lived there in a time we can’t always imagine. I love ALL of your designs, Gemma. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy and Blessed New Year.

[@grilnam9945]

I appreciate this is a design and has yet to get to the practicality, but I do wonder about access to and cleaning of those light wells. I do love the idea though

[@gemmawheeler]

Hi! Yes you’re right they would need to be accessible. You could make one of the glazed panes hinged to open and clean when needed.

[@Glissandola]

I'm so impressed. I could never have imagined such a design. It's so beautiful, practical, and respectful of its connection to history.

[@lindaroyal8161]

Your designs are just so amazing. This one made the interior look very spacious. I love the outside terrace and keeping the original bedroom window, stunning!

[@Erika-gm2tf]

This is the best design of Gemmas I've seen. Fantastic! Magical! I like to design everything for aging in place though, so although I'd ❤ ❤ ❤ to live there now, it would be problematic in future without an elevator.

[@conniebruckner8190]

indeed! i loved the sunken bath shower idea! and then thought, oh but w my knees, nope. Am sure that's something that could easily be changed into a normal shower nook.

[@trudyramirez8546]

So wonderful! I love it! ❤

[@-MacCat-]

You have amazing vision. Thanks for sharing it.

[@marcia_shindler]

What a beautiful and imaginative solution! I think this is my favourite of all your designs! Stunning! ❤

[@pumpjackpiddlewick]

I think this is one of my favourites! Wow. The mixture of ancient aesthetic and modern is sublime. And that fact that you can imagine keeping the existing ruined roof line, pure genius. Been in touch and thank you for your response (and very reasonable prices). I am so going to work with you. This video has made me think I need to work on another level with you to reimagine my restoration work. You inspire!

[@Itsmemaiteg]

Absolutely gorgeous!!! But for me, every home needs a TV, at least one. Where would that go?

[@teprakp]

Lovely integration of old and new.

[@nickel19941]

Incredibly creative! I wish my brain worked like yours!

[@meganelise277]

One of your best yet! I’m curious what the average budget would look like to bring these designs to life. I know it would be more affordable than a giant modern home, but the finishes are so luxe…it can’t be cheap!

[@gemmawheeler]

I know it’s one of those things that would make all the difference to know! I deliberately don’t talk about it as costs vary enormously by location - across regions let alone countries - so would worry I was misleading people if I speculated on this. The best way of estimating costs is from the advice of a builder working at a cost/m2 for a mid to high level spec. They usually require detailed drawings to be able to do this but you could find out if they are seeing patterns emerging at any given time.

[@JennLeRoy]

This might be my favorite design of yours. It’s perfect!!!

[@hurlin108]

Such a great and imaginative solution! And so beautifully explained.

[@EX5DD]

Another imaginative and sympathetic design. I do think though that a country home needs a utility / boot room for mucky footwear and dogs. I also wonder how the interior courtyard glass would be kept clean and free from mould?

[@TheMerelouve]

For this one, I give you an award !

[@MarkO-vi7cp]

Bravo, very nicely done, one of my favorites from you so far. Mark here outside of San Francisco 😊

[@IanElson28]

Oh my…! Absolutely love the concept!!

[@TorchwoodPandP]

This is your most amazing design yet! ❤❤❤

[@chrissyt_artist1960]

Wow that's fantastic! I also love how you show in 3D every angle, aspect and floorplan very clearly so I'm not left frustrated trying to guess what fits where. I really like how most of your designs bring the outside in via little courtyards and indoor garden spaces, so important for mental health!

[@danatmatchvox]

Sensitive, aesthetic, clean, taut, wow!

[@ahumanmerelybeing]

One of your best! That upper-level terrace is one of my favorite designs I've ever seen on a house.

[@corriemcclain7960]

I am completely in love with this design.

[@shawnbomb13]

This is amazing! Love it so much.

[@Suebee1988]

This is my favorite of all your designs I've seen so far. Lovely.

[@petegibson863]

Absolutely stunning Gemma , thank you .

[@mishkybishky]

Incredible & creative concept.

[@jakebertrand]

My goodness. I would live here in a heartbeat. A work of art as always.

[@Minkster555]

Gemma, you blow my mind with your designs! This one is spectacular! You’re amazing. Wishing you a Happy Christmas and New Year. 💖

[@penelopemiller1908]

What an imaginative way to continue the life of an old ruin without losing its charm well done

[@susangreen1966]

Mind blowing, magical, just plain wonderful. I loved it all, from first entering and meeting a tree in a courtyard inside the hall, through to the upper terrace with the views through the original windows. It is all superb. You are so talented! Wishing you a good holiday, Gemma, and please make many more stunning videos.

[@jamieloom22]

Brilliant, such an exciting transformation that maintains the spirit of the ruin.

[@bethdewy]

Such a dream. Beautifully captured balance. I’m in awe of your creation in this one ❤

[@claudine9662]

I love the respectful, creative thought process, and the result is just beautiful.

[@27Spiritgirl]

Oh Gemma- your designs always bring me SO MUCH JOY!!! The renderings on this one, with the beautiful sunslhine creating golden light and shadows, were STUNNING ! My imagination is always ignited after seeing your vlogs! Wishing you a very happy holiday and a wonderful New Year! Xo from Canada ❤️

[@kiwigirljacks]

Always a wonderful feeling to open up KZbin and see one of your videos 🙌 Starting my day off right 😊

[@nomadine85]

Fascinating duality and the dark materials as a manifested shadow concept is lovely. But one can see into the bedroom from the hallway and the upstairs 😅

[@gregpendrey6711]

Just a little sliver but I saw it too. Magic glass switch?

[@nomadine85]

@@gregpendrey6711 Good idea! Or even some kind of curtain for when people need to get changed or want some privacy for other reasons

[@aadam8044]

that's a fantastic idea, the current aesthetic of the ruin is very well preserved