Project Focus: Rainhill Primary Suite
- dawn7800
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
Introducing the Primary Suite at Rainhill, SBID award finalist and part of one of our most prominent projects to date — the full renovation of a seven-bedroom, five-bathroom property in Merseyside — we were tasked with creating a standout primary suite within a unique architectural setting. In this article, we delve into the design decisions, challenges and details that shaped this fascinating element of the wider Rainhill renovation.
Nestled within the thick stone walls of a 19th-century cottage, this recently completed primary suite reimagines tradition through a contemporary lens. Originally composed of two bedrooms and two separate en suites, the existing layout was reconfigured into one expansive and cohesive space. The brief was clear: to create a sanctuary that felt impressive and unexpected within its traditional cottage setting. Our clients envisioned a suite that was calm, minimal, and luxurious, where they could unwind at the end of the day. Key features included a spacious master bedroom, a dedicated dressing room, a steam room, and an en suite with a double vanity unit. At every stage, the design was guided by a desire to harmonise practicality with beauty, maintaining a light and an openness that respected the original structure while introducing contemporary elegance.
Realising the Vision
From the outset, the project demanded thoughtful planning and collaboration. The age and construction of the cottage posed notable challenges, such as sloped ceilings that followed the roof pitch and original timber beams hidden beneath decades of plaster. Once exposed, these beams were found to be structurally sound but visually inconsistent. To resolve this, they were clad in oak — a decision that gave the beams new life, transforming them into prominent features that paid homage to the building’s past while complementing its updated design language.
One of the more complex aspects of the reconfiguration was merging the two original bedrooms and en suites into a single, spacious suite. While many structural elements could be reworked, one load-bearing wall had to remain. This determined the layout of the final space, with the bed placed centrally beneath a striking feature beam, creating a strong visual anchor upon entry to the space.
To soften the scale of the now expansive space, the ceiling was finished in a pink clay hue. This gentle, earthy tone added a layer of warmth and depth, enhancing the overall feeling of calm. Behind the bed, bespoke panelling tied in with the oak detailing above, further reinforcing the consistency of the material palette.
The en suite bathroom combined the original two bathrooms into a significantly larger and more luxurious space, incorporating a steam room as requested by our clients. A micro-cement wall finish was selected to provide a seamless and minimal aesthetic, but due to the moisture levels in the steam room environment, the flooring specification was upgraded to a herringbone-patterned marble tile. This not only offered the required durability but also introduced a layer of subtle texture and elegance.
The dressing room layout was carefully planned to maximise storage capacity while keeping the space highly functional and visually uncluttered. A dressing table and a peninsula unit were positioned to make the most effective use of the available area. Arched black aluminium crittall-style doors were introduced to create a visual connection to the adjacent spaces, maintaining a sense of openness. The view through to the dressing peninsula establishes a sense of depth and continuity throughout the suite.
Throughout the suite, a consistent set of materials and finishes helped to unify the design. Dekton, a high-performance surface, was used across the dressing table, bedside units, and bathroom vanity — offering durability without compromising on style.
Overcoming Challenges
While the brief was detailed, some challenges only emerged during the course of the project. The creation of the steam room called for careful material specification, particularly when it became clear that the original flooring proposal was unsuitable for the high humidity. The switch to marble not only addressed this issue but added a luxurious touch.
Another challenge surfaced with the installation of the custom-made, crittal-style aluminium doors. The initial templates provided by the supplier were inaccurate, and given the irregular nature of the cottage’s original walls, adjustments were needed on site. Despite these setbacks, the design vision was preserved, and the completed doors became a signature feature — enhancing the suite’s architectural identity and reinforcing its blend of traditional and contemporary elements.
A Cohesive, Characterful Retreat
The final result is a masterclass in thoughtful transformation. Every element of the new primary suite has been carefully considered — from layout and finishes to atmosphere and functionality. The space succeeds in feeling both expansive and intimate, luxurious yet grounded. It’s a serene retreat that offers everything the clients hoped for: generous proportions, modern convenience, visual warmth, and a deep respect for the character of the building.
This project exemplifies what can be achieved when traditional architecture is approached with imagination, care and precision. By embracing the quirks of the original cottage while introducing refined, contemporary details, the design delivers a truly bespoke experience, one that feels entirely at home in its historic setting.
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