Dezeen Magazine

The Lanes by Mole Architects

The Lanes by Mole Architects

A 1960’s bungalow in Cambridgeshire is hidden behind a Siberian larch-clad extension with a row of gabled roofs.

The Lanes by Mole Architects

Local architects Mole hid the original building from view as part of the renovation of this two-bedroom property.

The Lanes by Mole Architects

The larch is attached in thin vertical strips and the profile of the roofing material is minimised to further emphasise the facade's verticality.

The Lanes by Mole Architects

Slightly set back from the facade, the entrance is clearly denoted in turquoise to contrast with the timber.

The Lanes by Mole Architects

The internal layout has been remodeled by moving one of the bedrooms into the extension at the front of the house, opening up the back of the property to become a large living space looking onto the garden.

The Lanes by Mole Architects

A new utility room and bathroom sit in the former garage now incorporated into the main building.

The Lanes by Mole Architects

Photography is by David Butler.

The Lanes by Mole Architects

Mole Architects have provided the information below:


Designed by MOLE Architects the aim of the project was the refurbishment of an existing unprepossessing 2-bedroom 1960’s Bungalow in the village of Over, Cambridgeshire.

The Lanes by Mole Architects

The completed building includes the reorganisation of the internal rooms to include main and guest bedroom, opening up of garden room at the rear to be used as a main living space, focusing on an existing magnolia tree, attic space, and the addition of utility room and incorporation of garage into main house.

The Lanes by Mole Architects

Most significantly, the front North façade of the building has been completely remodelled into a saw-tooth elevation composed of 4 pitches clad in vertical Siberian larch boarding.

The Lanes by Mole Architects

Name of project: The Lanes
Clients: Patricia & Michael Sumpter
Start on site date: March 2010
Date of completion: October 2011
Total contract value: £114,000
Gross external floor area: 165m2
Form of contract and/or procurement: JCT Homeowner contract
Structural engineer: Andrew Firebrace Partnership
Selected subcontractors and suppliers: Velfac windows
Main contractor: Andy Knott Construction Units 7&8 Sedgeway Business Park Witchford Ely Cambs CB6 2HY