Medieval cottage encased within new home embraces layers

When Kate Darby and David Connor were told they had to preserve the 300-year-old cottage on their property or lose the right to build there, they chose not to repair the crumbling structure, but to encase it in a new house and live with the decaying remains.
The new home mirrors the old: in places, there are two walls or two roofs, while at other spots the floor or roof drops away and the white shell reflects the memory of what was.
The architect/designer couple clad the new home in black corrugated iron to resemble the farm buildings surrounding Herefordshire. Inside, everything is preserved of the old building, even dead ivy, rotten timbers, cobwebs, dust, and a bird’s nest.
The Croft Lodge Studio sits at the edge of a commons which means anyone can walk right up to the building and catch a glimpse of the coexisting layers of time. Connor says he invites people inside for a closer view. “Architecture is a public art,” he explains. “It's something that people outside the building have a right to interface with."
www.katedarby.com/
davidconnordesign.co.uk/
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/tran...

[@townsends]

Love this one, an amazing way to preserve a building and still use it.

[@jbello9398]

Townsends, nice to see you here

[@arthurf8591]

looks like someone searched for "18th century cabin" ;)

[@IndustrialDoomHippy]

I second that. Good to see you! 😃. Love your channel!

[@Koopakilla3245]

Omg love that you watch her channel and actually saw this. Luv ur channel! Such a fan ! Maybe one day I’ll be lucky enough to meet you one day! Keep up the awesome videos. Although hard going and at times gruesome it’s still framed as a beautiful and enlightening look Into our past. 💜 so cool 😁 Living simply is actually a lot more complicated. That’s what channels like yours and others that show true life Situations have made me see and learn from. And that our past needs to be recalled and remembered, so we don’t continue the same mistakes into our futures.

[@redpillproductionscanada5563]

Oh wow, your here? Must be a great video, think ill be heading over to you next ; ).

[@mdbarton1979]

This guy has so many great quotes. He's almost as interesting as the house.

[@DustyC75080]

He’s really just a big kid, playing a lil fort on the ol’ English weekend.

[@roachboy8583]

“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” Mahler. What a Top Boy !

[@cd-rt1yl]

this is an amazing quote!

[@M22Research]

“I don’t quite know why it’s worth it, but it’s worth it.” That says it all, in a few words.

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

"It has to be pragmatic as well as poetic, otherwise it's pretty useless"... I love that!

[@DiggerX8X]

This has got to be one of the most interesting living situations I've ever seen. Cool!

[@trixesatelier]

YASSSSSSSSSS! Agreed.

[@carlob95]

I agree!!!! Compared to the BS we see on the main steam medias theses days, this is a fresh air subject!!!

[@runnersgarden]

I love how you let people tell their stories punctuated with "still" video with no voice. This is one of the best channels on KZbin! And kudos to this man's preservation efforts.

[@dr.mikeybee]

You always have the most interesting content. This is no exception.

[@DustyC75080]

Such a great channel/series.

[@billiebluesheepie2907]

It must be amazing to lay there and spend the night, knowing that 300 years ago someone else in a completely different time, was laid in that exact same spot, protected from the elements by those exact beams...

[@nikiannecoleman]

billieblue Sheepie I think just like you. When I go to historic places I am always in awe that I am standing where another stood hundreds of years before. When you touch something ancient you can almost feel the energy and passage of time through your fingers.

[@Sigmatic850]

@@nikiannecoleman Have to agree with you. After standing in ancient buildings of Europe, it's hard to explain to others who have not traveled as I, the massive age of other places, buildings.

[@nikiannecoleman]

Dave 00000 It’s an incredible feeling to think that someone thousands of years prior was in that exact spot.

[@arthurf8591]

You might enjoy reading "The Children of Green Knowe", you should look it up.

[@qmbikerider4583]

Agree, but I don't think he sleeps there. I think this is their office and/or the company's office, and perhaps guest bedrooms. I suspect they actually live in the much larger house 20' away.

[@k1m625]

The contrast between really old and really new is very beautiful.....its still totally crazy though

[@greatboniwanker]

I'm glad they like it. I couldn't live there.

[@ericmoody3944]

Yes, to each his own. I like it but would have built around it with more rustic decor, I still appreciate his enthusiasm...

[@Nelsonsnewnotes]

I've been watching your channel for a long time now in order to gain inspiration for when I eventually create a house of my own. I've been fascinated by your videos and was excited when I came across this video of a house that is only a few miles away from my hometown in Shropshire, England (the next county along from Herefordshire). What an amazing restoration project, using a mix of incredibly old and locally sourced materials and workers to complete the job! One of the most captivating videos yet, its up there with one of my personal favourites Charles Bello's NorCal redwood paradise. Keep up the great work!

[@kirschrot77]

It was very lucky for this old building that this guy came along

[@rapmaster]

The ivy was pissed as it lay dying, though. ; )

[@jindiyou]

So provocative. Utterly beautiful. The way they kept the old one inside is so beautiful.

[@EdgyEspresso]

What an awesome beautiful way to preserve history. This should be done more often.

[@damiangraham3571]

What a fantastic outlook and way to live with history. Well done

[@chrissysmith3888]

This is true appreciation of what once was. What was nearly long gone and forgotten has been given a second chance at life by the dedication of human touch; that is what makes this home such a unique and remarkable piece of art.

[@KM-mv1ho]

Wow. Just when you think you’ve seen it all on this channel. So interesting!

[@zeeah4088]

What a fascinating story! Loved the relationship he has with the old structure. “ I don’t know why it’s worth it, but it is.” Thank you Kirsten Dirksen for bringing these amazing videos on your channel.

[@sjaron23]

A unique, rebellious solution. What an individualist!

[@harrybaque5502]

So profound, so very profound...

[@DeeDee-lz8zx]

Thanks for posting. This is something that makes Britain so special!

[@jintanmanis5000]

This give me an idea to me to preserved my grandmother old traditional Malay house in Malaysia and maybe other traditional Malay (Melayu) house made of wood to be preserved

[@janemorrow6672]

Great idea! Make sure you invite Kirsten to come and film it!

[@jeremyhall5914]

I second Jane's comment!

[@oekalaboeka55]

I would advice against preserving a home like this. The old homes are very, very sturdy and can be brought to their original state with "ease" depending on the current state of the home. It's quite amazing to have an old house which can still function as a home. Of course insulation would be abysmal. If you decide to build a house over the existing one please treat all the wood in the house against insects and if there are bricks have a professional check for any fungus. Otherwise the new shell over the house would be useless. If you'd restore it find some people with real skills. It's easy to use new materials and build a house but you need people that can think of a solution to all the difficulties in rebuilding a home like that. I'm currently renovating a house build in 1900 and it's a lot of fun honestly.

[@goodliving2171]

oekalaboeka55 What remains of the building he enclosed, only a little remains. He said it would have cost him too much to try to preserve it any further. To treat the wood would mean using chemicals & therefore killing your self & others earlier by causing serious health problems over time. It's cool you are preserving a 1900's house, where is it? It would be great to post it on a blog! 🤗

[@oekalaboeka55]

​@@goodliving2171 Yeah in his case it would certainly cost a lot more though I find it odd he was allowed to build a house over it. Normally with protected houses this is not allowed, no matter how much is damaged. My house is in Bruges (Belgium) the centre of Bruges is Unesco protected so you have no choice but to restore it. Within the protected zone there are also many homes that have an additional protection which includes the inside of the house. Floors, chimneys, certain wooden beams etc are all protected in those homes. Restoring in old cities like mine is a lot harder since the infrastructure is not adapted for the current big trucks we have. Many parts of the city can't be reached by trucks since the streets are too narrow. You need permits for everything. From changing your door's colour to having a truck deliver goods at your house (also only allowed in the morning). When you don't follow the rules there is no slap on the wrist or fine to pay. The only option for you is to demolish whatever you did wrong or the city will put a lock on your home. Sadly enough there are quite a few homes locked like this because big firms thought they can get away with it and pay some fines. I agree on the chemicals part. I used it in my house since it was infested with woodworms. Part of the building already collapsed because of the damage done. I don't know what else you can do to protect your house from insects though. What would your advice be? Replacing all the wood is an option but putting new wood in will be either new feeding grounds for the woodworms or chemically treated wood which is the same issue. Replacing the wood with steel or concrete is an option but isn't allowed.

[@paperpalacequeen]

What a clever idea....stunning house within a house!

[@lynnej.9357]

I don't like it at all, but I appreciate it. If that makes any sense.

[@catm2454]

yea and you would have to tip toe through doors etc and try not to snag on walls and it would make your clothes moldy

[@valerioskonosov6609]

@@catm2454 Its not always about the comfort of the body , but the comfort of the eyes and mind :D

[@cbriangilbert1978]

@@valerioskonosov6609 If building a home it should be pure comfort and utility...anything more is why the world is burning.

[@cathleenbaldwinmaggi2252]

Excellent! I would not want the old mold and dust in my living space - big time allergies and sensitivities. Still pretty awesome. Love the 'over-the-top' preservation!

[@emrazum]

Beautiful home, love the philosophy of protecting decay

[@a.mstree]

A great lesson in architectural history. Thank you!

[@strongforu]

This was fascinating! The question you asked him about living with decay seemed to really hit home.

[@clarkclarke]

Seeing that he couldn't destroy the old house the question seems oxymoronic (to me) ... If HE had decided on his own NOT to destroy the old house and keep it ..then yeah I get the question .....

[@tishdias2818]

A faint hearted cannot pull off a masterpiece like this. This guy got some balls. It’s beyond beautiful

[@claravrsnik7858]

Beautifuuuuul place. Awesome🍃☄️🐝🌅🐾🌬️🌄

[@toddh377]

Preservation by isolating it from the exterior environment is interesting but what's novel to me is making it a space that's livable in. The juxtaposition of new and decay that's been suspended does make for contemplation 😁

[@challengerbrant]

my lord, what a beautiful piece of land. Stunning.

[@warpspeed9877]

"There is this old can...We thought it would be full of gold...but it's all filled with garbage" LOL

[@Leocalamb2]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. I could totally see myself living there & being inspired by this place. Thank you so much for sharing this beauty with us.

[@ballsdeep2520]

Haha this guys too much. He's keeping the dust. He's keeping cobwebs. Metal ties from 2000? Of course! Old discolored, illegible pictures? Stick them in a frame!

[@debicarver8958]

I love how you built around. Incorporated it into you daily living spaces. Fascinating. Love it

[@traceydelfs2657]

This one absolutely made my day.

[@momof2momof2]

I'd still be afraid that it would collapse. I LOVE old architecture, but I wouldn't live here.

[@laurametheny1008]

What a totally strange and wonderful concept! And in England. I have dreamed for years of visiting the UK and Ireland. This is beyond anything I could have imagined. Really special. Thankyou!😍

[@computerjantje]

Thank you for this video. What a great way to combine usability with conservation. I love this house. "It has to pragmatic as well as poetic" What a great way to look at architecture.

[@aquadesignsbymlt4769]

Loved the video. History is so great. Imagine living, just walking around in a space where people lived 300 years ago.

[@fjklfdasdf]

It's a picture of what it used to be and at the same time it keeps on living... Time is key in this house

[@chrisdooley6468]

Wow. Absolutely brilliant blend of conservation and new structure. Nice to have the money to do innovative stuff like this

[@4BWVan]

This is fascinating and so worth watching. I've never seen anything like it!

[@melissajordan8679]

Much like the young man who built a house around a skating ramp, or the "LOL cats" couple, he is an absolute madman -- and I am here for it!

[@DustyC75080]

U & this guy need a show where u just stroll around, and talk. He’s a gem, funny as all, I’m dying over here(fordshire!). Cheers to decaying!

[@b3tres]

This idea is fantastic! It's like they're living in an installation art!

[@kathleenchapman1343]

OMG. This gentleman is so lovely and the house so lovingly preserved. New house protecting the 300 year old house - such a great idea.

[@letshaveaniceday]

"Me and the farmer did it by jumping up and down" ; )

[@scottslinger1003]

We love your videos, Kirsten! Thanks

[@icaremore]

I believe this is the best of all the videos & places they exist. Like he said, it’s truly impossible to recreate 300 years of “interesting.”

[@MrRebar15]

Very nice, I'd most likely vacuum the cobwebs, yeah I see no value there. Thanks for bringing us along. God Bless.

[@MrRebar15]

@Maxx Kroes cobwebs may belong in YOUR home, not mine, God Bless.

[@kellycoco33]

Fascinating house! What a lovely guy, hope he enjoys great years in there!

[@TheGLpanda]

I look forward to your videos so much, keep up the great work!

[@saintracheljarodm.holy-kay2560]

It's quite nice, indeed! Frozen in time, and all that there within and on! Thank you for your time and God bless amen.

[@teddycollier4909]

I love it. they're preserving the past and at the same time, living with it in the 21st century. I would certainly love to live there. It would be quite the commute. I work in Los Angeles.

[@Sigmatic850]

I am impressed at how they "finished" the interior walls of the over-structure, without getting paint, plaster on the old structure! It's done very well.

[@kostiantynua]

Absolutely gorgeous! Amazing philosophy and great job

[@gabriellagarnham8089]

Truly inspiring, very Wabi-Sabi.

[@missrobinhoodie]

That was wonderful. Makes me think about the value and worth we give or take away again instead of preserving and acknowledging it.

[@aura3545]

"pragmatic as it is poetic" I love that concept. GREAT video!!

[@maxwright4387]

this one was really amazing. as a builder who does restoration work this absurd project is absolutely stunning

[@mozdickson]

That mighty oak, that superb dwelling. Hallelujah! We are deconstructing a 1947 timber one room school, to rebuild in our back yard. And believe me the empty bottles, coiled fencing wire, hay bale twine, old letters and every decrepit but beautiful piece of timber will be retained and celebrated. Thanks David and Kate for the inspiration and encouragement.

[@socialweedia]

love this guy

[@funny-video-YouTube-channel]

He build a museum building around the museum :-)

[@maunster3414]

Definitely the best restore this pile of rubble into a home video I've ever seen!

[@chrisbeckstrom6182]

Out of the dozens of videos of yours that I've watched, this is one of my favorites. Thank you!

[@deannehuizenga4845]

Sweetest man...thank you

[@sophiemo7278]

Wow beautiful house. it is fascinating mixture of new and old with the new protecting the old like a cocoon.

[@springbay1]

Videos like this is what makes KZbin worthwhile. Absolutely amazing.

[@SabineVlaming]

Such a beautiful life lesson and enriching perspective! Thank you for sharing.

[@colinsmith7576]

Fascinating project and such a good interviewer staying in the background and not interrupting.

[@erinkelly2834]

“It’s probably quite stable” lol that exactly the type of confidence you want in your home. They did an amazing job with this!

[@hankfacer7098]

What a totally amazing story. Thank you David & Kate, what a wonderful job you have done. (from Australia)

[@Here_Today_]

What a lovely guest. Thank you for the tour.

[@frankjamesbonarrigo7162]

I used to live in a place like this. Without the black house part

[@uptone12111]

Once again. Thank you Kirsten. You find the most interesting homes

[@stephopalopal]

Beautiful!! Much love and Respect StephopalOpal New Orleans Louisiana..Thank you for sharing!! Best Wishes

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

Probably only British people can invent such a solution to preserve an old building ! And I love it

[@QualquerCoisa387]

Extraordinary! A beautiful mind of this man. A great house. Congratulations for this amazing channel. The best in my opinion.

[@blondelebanese9922]

What a brilliant design. To protect the very old with ruining it. Simply marvelous!

[@witriole_22]

Best Yet. Thank you, Kirsten.

[@barrybr1]

Beautiful. The whole is like an artwork and the nooks and crannies are also like pieces of sculpture. He wasn't precious, either, about the ancient and decaying elements. So much respect for David and Kate. Thanks Kirsten.

[@hugoko2096]

thank u for showing ;as usual ,that there's another point of view of the architecture , and being humble and unprejudiced respecting the process of creation

[@imnotsurewhy]

This is the best, most unique home I've ever seen.

[@peterhodges6684]

A very large commitment to the preservation of history, well done sir. Well done indeed ! Cheers.

[@aurorasunu2908]

This is very beautiful to me. Thank you for sharing 🍃🙏🏽🍃

[@eastcoastartist]

Every day, he can see how the building was built. The building’s bones are fascinating.

[@mightbesherwood1313]

Interesting that a legal restriction required, and therefore inspired, this work of art.

[@patriciahelga6073]

Thank you for this! Very inspiring and unusual work

[@ecostudio1044]

exceptional project due to imposed limitations. I admire the Darby-Connor's for taking up the (ridiculous) conservator's dictates and creatively and politely turning them on their head! Fortunately they had the means; others may have to give up. Conservators have a difficult time recognizing that decay/change are natural. Tx so much for bringing this education to us :)

[@unamor]

I love how he makes it sound like he was coerced into preserving and then goes on to put a ridiculous amount of passion into the concept.

[@virginieegger9802]

what an incredible bulding and realisation! love it! this man is so relax with all this, very nice!

[@srqlisa7881]

This home is one of my two favorite homes the other the family that lives in the glass building over there home. What a fantastic place to be inspired Bravo. : ) peace

[@Chester69]

Thanks for linking this in the comments of the dome video. This is awesome, some things I would do differently as with all things but honestly I love the dedication to keeping what’s there the same as it was - breathtaking and I can only imagine the feeling of being there

[@velcerz]

This is amazing, I loved the concept of preserving dust and cobwebs. Really inspiring!

[@sujesolutions7508]

Absolutely brilliant. Thank you for sharing.

[@sanguinelynx]

I live how they incorporated the old with the new, preserving the original structure!

[@Smi7h1sH3r3]

Your videos are so helpful for school! I'm currently finishing up the semester with our studio being focused on residential; your videos have been so helpful for ideas and inspiration, thanks so much!!!! I love these interior views, capturing all the little details.

[@nancysueleske7819]

Probably your most unique!❤️

[@bikesqump]

they really preserved the roots of the building... amazing video creation of an amazing architectural creation of a very old creation!