The Old Rectory

Set within the tranquil village of Drinkstone, near Bury St Edmunds, The Old Rectory is a project that beautifully balances the weight of heritage with the clarity of contemporary design. In collaboration with SOUP Architects, the transformation is both respectful and bold—an architectural response that connects past and present through light, proportion, and precision glazing.

At the heart of the extension are 8m x 3m minimalist sliding doors, designed to dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. With ultra-slim sightlines and expansive glazing, these doors frame long views across the garden, allowing the architecture to breathe with light and movement. Whether open or closed, they maintain a seamless dialogue between space and setting—drawing the landscape inward while extending the interior outward.

A 6m-wide picture window sits quietly within the new structure, its presence defined by restraint. The uninterrupted glass surface acts as a frame, allowing light to sculpt the room while grounding the design in stillness and clarity. It is both a window and a wall—serving as a contemplative opening to the outside, and a defining element of the architectural rhythm within.

To bridge the contemporary extension with the original rectory, a frameless glass link was introduced—discreet, transparent, and precise. It connects without dominating, allowing the transition between old and new to feel natural, light-filled, and almost imperceptible. The result is a continuity of movement and material that reinforces the calm, measured atmosphere of the home.

Complementing the minimalist aesthetic are tilt and turn windows, chosen for their flexibility and clean detailing. These windows offer a practical response to ventilation and access, while maintaining the visual discipline of the design. Their presence is subtle, integrated into the architectural language without drawing attention to themselves.