From Design to Delivery: Building Raycott in Close Collaboration with the Architects

The transformation of Raycott, a dated three-bedroom house set in the Cheshire countryside near Prestbury, was a project driven by strong architectural intent and delivered through close collaboration on site. From the outset, we worked tightly alongside Kimble Roden, ensuring their design vision was carried through every stage of construction — from structure and sequencing to materials and fine detailing.

Projects like this work best when architects and builders are aligned early, and Raycott is a great example of how that relationship can elevate the final outcome.

Working Closely with the Architectural Design

One of the defining moves in the design was the inverted layout, placing the main living spaces on the first floor to take advantage of the rural views, while bedrooms open directly onto the garden below. From a construction perspective, this required careful interpretation of the architects’ drawings, early discussions around structure, and detailed planning of how the existing house could be adapted without compromising performance or build quality.

We worked closely with the architects to resolve structural elements, floor build-ups, glazing interfaces and roof details, ensuring the design intent was maintained while remaining practical and robust on site.

Translating Design Intent into Buildable Detail

Architectural drawings set the direction, but it’s on site where those ideas are tested. The floating flat roofs — forming the entrance canopy and rear solar shading — are a good example. These elements had to look light and minimal, exactly as designed, while still delivering on drainage, insulation and weather protection. Close coordination with the design team allowed us to refine junctions and detailing as the build progressed, ensuring the finished result matched the original vision.

Similarly, the introduction of large glazed openings at ground floor level required careful setting out and sequencing, working from the architects’ layouts to achieve clean lines, correct proportions and strong connections to the garden.

Materials, Finishes and Craftsmanship

The external transformation — painting the original dark brickwork white and introducing panels of feature tiles — dramatically changed the character of the house. Achieving this successfully relied on correct preparation, material choice and application techniques, all carried out in line with the architects’ specifications. The same approach was taken internally, where finishes and detailing were delivered to complement the architecture rather than compete with it.

Upgrading the windows to white aluminium frames further sharpened the aesthetic, and accurate installation was essential to meet both the visual standard and the thermal performance expected from the design.

A True Team Approach

Throughout the project, regular communication between ourselves, the architects and the clients ensured decisions were made collaboratively. Where site conditions required clarification or minor refinement, solutions were agreed quickly, keeping the project moving while protecting the integrity of the design.

This joined-up approach allowed the build to progress smoothly and ensured the finished home feels cohesive — not just well designed, but well built.

A Home Reimagined

The completed project at Raycott is a complete reinvention of the original house: brighter, more connected to its setting, and tailored to how Martin and Barbara live day to day. From our perspective as builders, it’s a project that demonstrates the value of close collaboration between architect and contractor — where good design is matched by careful delivery.

We’re proud to have worked alongside Kimble Roden on this transformation and to have played our part in bringing their design to life with quality, care and attention to detail.