Architects: McCloy + Muchemwa
Area: 50 m²
Year: 2021
Photography: Simon Kennedy
Design and Fabrication: Steve McCloy, Bongani Muchemwa
City: Norwich
Country: United Kingdom
The Orangery Renovation, project by McCloy + Muchemwa in Norwich, transformed a dilapidated garage into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Completed in 2021, the project focused on sustainability, using recycled materials and innovative design within a small budget. The renovation introduces natural light, solar energy, and a greenhouse/orangery, enhancing the owners’ lifestyle by creating a space for outdoor relaxation and hobbies.
McCloy + Muchemwa undertook the renovation of a deteriorated, asbestos-laden garage in Norwich for self-build clients. Originally dark, dusty, and plagued by pests, the garage was unusable and unsightly. During the Covid-1 pandemic, the focus shifted to making the space safer, more functional, and enjoyable, with improved storage solutions.
The first step was removing the damaged asbestos roof, which allowed for bold reconfiguration of the building and garden. The project focused on sustainability, using recycled materials and imaginative solutions within a small budget.
The existing timber structure was mostly intact, so a careful, minimal approach was used to replace rotten section, treat, and seal the entire structure with exterior-grade paint.
Upcycled furniture and recycled materials were used to create tool storage, planters, and workbenches, all designed to be raised, moveable, and reconfigurable. Heavy-duty orange castors and hairpin legs were incorporated, matching the orange and black color scheme of the storage units.
Natural lighting and solar panels provide an ideal workspace for hobbies like bike maintenance, DIY, and pottery. The new timber-framed greenhouse/orangery supports the owners’ gardening efforts, while a water-collecting pergola offers shelter and shade. These additions have transformed the owners’ lifestyle, making outdoor relaxation, dining, and entertaining central to their routine.
The project was designed for gradual DIY construction over non-consecutive weekends. Lightweight metal roofing panels were chosen for safety and ease of installation, while the greenhouse was fabricated as easy-to-lift frames to reduce the need for ladders.
Black cladding protects the structure from weathering and contrasts sharply with the garden, while bright orange element, inspired by Richard Rogers, add visual coherence. A triangular motif is used throughout, from structural elements to smaller details like shelf brackets.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Norwich, United Kingdom
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
