We recently completed a small yet highly interesting project within the Hamstead Garden Suburb. Aside from being designated as a Conservation Area, this part of London was originally developed in the 19th century as a pioneering model community and is characterized by beautiful houses set within a stunning landscape. The masterplan for the area was crafted by the prominent architect Raymond Unwin, with specific parts designed by Edwin Lutyens. Our client owns a maisonette located in a 1905 building constructed in the Arts and Crafts style, which was converted to residential use approximately 15 years ago. While the property itself is not Listed, it remains part of a conservation area and falls under the jurisdiction of the Hampstead Garden Trust. The entrance door of the property had been installed flush with the external wall and suffered from ongoing maintenance issues due to persistent water damage. In response, we assisted the client by designing a new canopy intended to shelter the door and prevent further deterioration. It was essential that all proposed alterations received the necessary approvals from both the local council and the Hampstead Garden Trust. The design of the canopy emerged from extensive dialogue with the Trust, and the final outcome harmoniously aligns with the aesthetics and character of the original building.
Project in Sutton completed
We recently had the opportunity to visit and explore one of our completed project involving a roof extension and garage conversion for a three-bedroom detached house located in Sutton. This charming property featured a rear extension at the ground floor level, which had been constructed by the same client several years ago. The original project plan included a loft extension; however, this particular aspect was not implemented at that time. In 2021, the client decided to appoint Square One Architects with the intention of converting and extending the loft space to create a new bedroom, an en-suite bathroom, and a dedicated dressing area. Additionally, the project encompassed the conversion of an existing garage into a functional garden office tailored for remote work or leisure. The end result is truly exceptional, as the new roof extension integrates seamlessly with the existing structure of the house, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. More photos showcasing this transformation will be made available in the near future.
Project completed in Hampton
We recently had the opportunity to visit a newly built project located in Hampton. The client initially approached us in 2023 with the request to extend the ground floor of their four-bedroom property. The roof of the property had been extended by the previous owners back in 2021. The clients expressed a desire to undertake a ground floor side return extension to effectively infill their existing patio space. However, they made it clear that they were not interested in extending the rear of their property beyond the current rear elevation. The proposed plans also included the removal of certain walls to create a more open plan living space that would accommodate a new kitchen and dining area. In alignment with the existing staircase, a new area was designed to function as both a utility room and a guest WC. Daylight was a significant consideration for the clients; they wanted to ensure a clear and unobstructed line of sight from the entrance door to the new opening at the back of the property.
Porch and garden office to Locally Listed Building in Hampton Hill
We recently had the opportunity to visit a small yet noteworthy project that was completed in the charming area of Hampton Hill. The client expressed a desire to replace her existing porch with a brand new one that would enhance both functionality and aesthetics. The previous structure had suffered from significant subsidence issues that rendered it unsafe and unsuitable for use any longer. In addition to the porch, the project scope also included the construction of a garden office located at the back of the property. The existing building is Locally Listed and is situated within a designated Conservation Area, which made the planning application process particularly challenging and intricate. The resulting design of the new porch has been carefully crafted to ensure it is harmonious with the existing building, maintaining the architectural integrity of the property. The application was additionally supported by an arboricultural statement, as every tree on site was recognized as having Tree Preservation Orders (TPO). The materiality of the garden office has been thoughtfully designed to relate to the surrounding environment, with timber cladding that blends seamlessly with the timber fences and existing vegetation. We were very pleased with the final outcome; both the porch and the garden office stand out as very successful additions to this beautiful property, enhancing its overall charm and functionality.
Rear extension in Epsom completed
Today, we visited a completed rear extension project for a 3-bedroom house in Epsom.
The property included both a roof extension and an original outbuilding on the ground floor, shared with the neighbouring property.
The client aimed to extend the property towards the rear, incorporating a side return that would extend 7m deep, all while preserving a side alleyway.
The new extension features a kitchen seamlessly integrated into an open-plan dining area.
Facing northeast, the rear of the property required careful planning to maximize daylight. Therefore, selecting the right size and placement of doors, windows, and rooflights was crucial.
To comply with planning advice, we reduced the eaves height of the rear extension towards the detached neighbour and designed a pitched roof for the side return section, with an external eaves height of approximately 2.2m. This design element not only became a distinctive feature of the space but also allowed the installation of wide roof windows, which flood the open-plan area with natural light.
We and the clients are delighted with the final result, which beautifully enhances the home's functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Site visit in Thames Ditton
We are thrilled to announce the completion of a long-term project in Thames Ditton. This property already had an existing extension and conservatory, but the spaces felt separated. Whilst the conservatory received plenty of natural daylight, a large separating wall meant that the kitchen and playroom were lacking in light, making them feel smaller and slightly detached.
Our solution was to remove the existing conservatory and replace it with a solid extension, creating a deeper plan and connecting living space with the kitchen. Sensitively placed skylights were added for additional daylighting. A stylish new kitchen has been installed, as well as large sliding doors which allow for uninterrupted views down the garden and beyond. A sleek new decking, helping to merge the living space with the garden, creates more spaces for relaxing and hosting loved ones.
However, this project didn’t come without its challenges. Early on, we encountered unexpected issues with the terrain. With the property being in a flood risk zone, the ground was far softer than anticipated which required our team, alongside the exceptional contractors and engineers, to rethink approaches to foundations and details, so that the project stayed on track and met our high standards.
Despite the challenges, we couldn’t be prouder of the final outcome, which has transformed this Thames Ditton home into a modern, functional, and beautiful space that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Site visit in New Malden
Today we visited our recently finished project in New Malden. This property has come a long way since 2023. Damaged by flooding and in need of refurbishment, we worked carefully with our client and successfully equipped this 4-bedroom house with a spacious new extension. Whilst the house previously felt quite dark and small, the new addition of large glazed elements now brings plenty of light into the space, as well as creating a connection with the garden allowing for an improved flow and functionality to the home. The decision to retain existing elements like the curved staircase has created a blend between the existing house and the contemporary style of the extension which makes the living space truly unique. A high quality of craftsmanship and design can be seen through the property in the joinery and detailing. We are extremely pleased with the finished product and professional photos will follow later this year.
Coming soon: professional photographs of two new projects
Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to collaborate with our talented photographer to capture the essence of two of our latest completed projects. The session allowed us to showcase the intricate details and innovative designs that define our architectural vision.
The photos showcasing our latest project will be available for viewing in our dedicated project section shortly. Be sure to stay tuned so you don't miss out on this exciting update!
House extension in Surbiton
The existing property was Locally Listed (a Building of Townscape Merit) and featured several extensions to the rear, which included a kitchen extension, a conservatory, a utility area, and a guest WC. Due to these extensions, the layout of the ground floor at the back of the house felt somewhat disconnected. The client expressed concerns about the conservatory's extreme temperatures - too hot in the summer and too cold in winter. Throughout the project, we explored the idea of a side return extension to open up the space, creating a more expansive kitchen and dining area. Our focus was to maintain the current airy feel while enhancing natural light and ensuring adequate insulation. Additionally, the ground floor extension incorporated a new utility space, pantry, and guest WC in different areas. A key element of the project involved enlarging the existing patio to improve the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, removing the raised step between the paved area and the garden for a seamless connection.
House extension in Thames Ditton
This detached house in Thames Ditton originally featured a non-original double garage and a rear extension constructed around 20 years ago. Unsatisfied with the layout, the clients opted to reconstruct the garage and introduce a new side extension complete with a side access. The envisioned extension included a utility room overlooking the front of the house, additional kitchen and garden storage facing the rear, and a link to the existing guest WC refurbished as a wet room. The kitchen area was expanded towards an underutilized side patio, facilitating the transformation into an open-plan social hub encompassing a spacious dining zone adjacent to the new kitchen. The former pantry was relocated to the former utility area, enhancing the kitchen and dining space. A newly added covered porch at the rear established a seamless connection between the house and the garden.
Project schedule
Year: 2021-2022
Location: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
RIBA Design Stages: 0-5
Architect:
Structural Engineer:
Project schedule #11 House in Teddington
In 2021 Square One Architects was commissioned to do a complete refurbishment as well as a rear extension to a recently purchased property in Teddington. The house, a 3-bed terraced house was received in a state of neglect and was spatially arranged in a manner that did not fit in with the new owner’s lifestyle.
The existing kitchen was located on the first floor facing the street and on the ground floor, a conservatory was used as the sitting area. The latter, differed stylistically from the main building appearing very much as a separate addition that would also prove to be problematic for frequent use in the colder months.
As our initial point of action, we redesigned the rear ground floor with the intention of relocating the kitchen and adding as well space for dining and sitting. The new addition was designed to be part of the main building both visually and as means of circulation and use. The redesigned space allowed for a comfortable kitchen with an island facing outwards to the garden and the trees beyond through wide windows and large bi-fold glass doors. Both the dining and sitting area enjoy the same views of the garden and plentiful of light coming down through two large skylights in the centre of the room. This open plan arrangement, features not only bold colours and modern materials to match the client’s taste, but also transforms into a very pleasant and comfortable space, perfect for the frequent use it is intended for.
On the upper floor, the existing kitchen was turned into a secondary sitting room that also had a dedicated space for an office. At the rear of the house the existing rooms were turned into a large room that could be used as either a den or a guest bedroom. Similarly, alterations were made to the rooms on the second floor to enlarge the available space and make better use of it to install new storage spaces.
On the two upper floors, spacious bathrooms, one with both a bathtub and a shower, were designed. Using light materials and contrasting colours these spaces express modern details and brightness in areas of the house that do not have access to windows. Various niches offer extra storage and become statement details through contrasting arrangements of the different tiles selected.
The original 3-bed house was turned into a spacious 4-bed house focusing on comfort and spaces to be enjoyed by the clients retaining throughout a minimal yet clear expression of the client’s distinct taste.
Project schedule
Year: 2017-2020
Location: Elmbridge Borough Council
RIBA Design Stages: 0-4
Architect:
Structural Engineer:
Glencross Hudson
Project schedule #10 Maisonette extension in Thames Ditton
This month we had the pleasure of seeing the completion of an interior refurbishment of a 2-bed semi-maisonette in Thames Ditton, a transformation that has, as the photos show, greatly brought out the possibilities of this 1950s house.
Taking up the upper first floor of the building, the house is accessed through an interior staircase that ended in a corridor. The original division of the spaces not only limited the access to outside views and natural light but also restricted a more fluid use and circulation.
The new design’s focus was to bring the existing character of the house to a more modern arrangement through an open plan kitchen/dining/living area to be enjoyed by the occupants seamlessly as they enter and move around the house, making it a focal point of gathering. The materials and arrangement of spaces have all been considered with the aim to create a warm and calm environment. From the firewood storage in the sitting room to the vertical wood slat partition of the staircase the materials provide cohesion throughout the house.
The existing staircase has now become part of this circulation and further expanded with an additional flight of steps leading to a new bedroom in the loft. Through the slatted design the now two-flight staircase remains well-lit and becomes a statement element in the core of the house. Although the new staircase required minimising the existing bedroom of the first floor it now allows access to a larger master bedroom in the loft with its own en-suite, a space that was until now inaccessible. The smaller bedroom is now turned into a study/child bedroom and the new master bedroom benefits from a spacious walk-in wardrobe, beautiful views, and plenty of light.
Together with the client we aimed from the start to uncover the possibilities of this house both in terms of space and character. The expansion towards the attic took advantage of the existing yet unused capabilities of the building and employing contemporary design approaches a seamless transition has taken shape not only through the materials and circulation, but also through the new spaces that emerged.
Before and after images
Project schedule
Year: 2020-2022
Location: Kingston, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
RIBA Design Stages: 0-5
Architect:
Structural Engineer:
Steve Nicolaou
Project schedule #9 House extension in Kingston
Infill extensions are not only for enlarging interior rooms but are also a great way to make better use of awkward spaces and working with the orientation of the building as seen in this project of 2020.
The project was a large 5-bed detached house on Richmond Road in Kingston featuring Tudor Revival elements to the front and a large garden to the rear. It also featured a side extension, built in the 90’s as a utility area. It was poorly built and created a garden patio that was always shaded by the main building.
The existing kitchen was rather small for the needs of the family and did not accommodate the modern lifestyle offered by an open plan kitchen/dining/living space. Similarly, the arrangement of the rooms on the first floor seemed to be outdated, with bedrooms needing more space and additional bathrooms.
Our approach to these concerns began by reconsidering the position of the house on site and its orientation. By using infill extensions, we expanded the house to the South and West eliminating dark corners and unused outdoor areas. We carefully considered the direction of daylight and the orientation of the extension so as to have the internal spaces benefit from natural light as much as possible. At the same time, the newly extended house was designed to provide more privacy to the rear garden from the street, more options for internal arrangement of spaces, yet with minimal impact to its overall volume and to the neighbouring properties through careful considerate distancing from the boundary and positioning of openings.
With the new ground floor rear and side extension, more space was freed up to design a bright and open plan space to house the kitchen, dining and living area with direct views and access to the rear garden and a more free-flowing circulation with the inner parts of the house. Through the newly designed arrangement and new windows and doors more light now floods the interiors highlighting architectural details such as the central staircase.
From the outside the new rear extension compliments the form of the house which now also features a gable roof with dormers on both sides. The additions allow for additional spaces on the upper floors including a master bedroom with an en-suite, an additional bathroom and larger second floor rooms benefitting from the added head height. On the ground floor the utility room was redesigned and an additional study room added in the now expanded footprint, resulting in a house that not only meets the clients' needs but promotes comfortable and healthy living conditions.
Project schedule
Year: 2020-2021
Location: Isleworth, London Borough of Hounslow
RIBA Design Stages: 0-4
Architect:
Structural Engineer:
Steve Nicolaou
Project schedule #8 Loft extension in Isleworth
This project is for a loft extension on a house in Isleworth.
The property was a 3-bed semi-detached house on a quiet residential road of similar styled houses. The neighbouring properties had recently had works done including hip to gable conversions and rear dormers, giving the green light to the current property for similar opportunities to expand.
Working with the client we extended the loft through a hip to gable conversion transforming the space into a master bedroom with dressing area and an en-suite bathroom with a shower.
Following their request for ample natural light we designed a wide window that encompasses most of the bedroom to the rear with sweeping views of the garden and the trees beyond and installed multiple skylights so that both the bathroom and the staircase are filled with natural daylight. Using light colours and materials the new spaces reflect the natural illumination and make the space feel bright, airy, and spacious as is also shown in the photos.
The extension was made feasible without affecting the arrangements of the existing lower floor rooms. Through this small intervention the house benefitted through enlarged internal spaces, better lighting, and additional amenities. At the same time, it assisted in creating cohesion with the neighbouring houses retaining the local style.
Before and after
Before and after
Full house renovation in Hampton
We just received the final photos of our breath taking project for a full house renovation in Hampton. The transformation of this home is truly remarkable, showcasing the artful blend of modern design and timeless elegance. Click on the link below to see the finished project.
Our residential projects in South West London (squareonearchitects.co.uk)
We started this exciting project back in 2019, when we were presented with the original brief, which involved various tasks such as internal alterations, both internally and externally modifying an extension that was built back in 2006, and the conversion of a loft space into two bedrooms and a bathroom.
One of the key objectives from the client was to create an open plan layout by removing an existing wall on the ground floor. Additionally, we wanted to enhance the overall aesthetic by designing a new staircase that seamlessly integrated with the existing one, ensuring it didn't feel like an afterthought. To achieve this, we needed to construct a front dormer to provide ample head height.
After extensive planning, we successfully gained approval from the council for the necessary alterations to the front of the house, aligning perfectly with the property's character. However, in 2020, a turn of events occurred when the client decided to relocate to a larger residence in a different location. As a result, the property was sold to a new owner who shared the vision and enthusiasm to finalize the original project. The new owner introduced an exciting twist by incorporating Crittal Style doors and windows supplied by Fabco Sanctuary, infusing the ground floor extension with a truly unique and captivating ambiance.
Renovation of a house of Townscape Merit
The final photos of our project for the renovation of a house of Townscape Merit are now online
Our residential projects in South West London (squareonearchitects.co.uk)
This project was a remarkable opportunity for Square One Architects to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of a historic 1920 house in Hampton. Situated within the Hampton Village Conservation Area, this property holds Townscape Merit, highlighting its unique significance. While the house underwent a refurbishment in 2003, certain parts of the structure were left untouched and now require attention.
One of our main objectives was to improve accessibility to the basement, which was previously accessed via a steep and outdated stairwell. Our solution involved replacing this outdated stair with a sleek and modern design, ensuring safer and more convenient access. By doing so, we not only addressed the functionality of the basement but also allowed an abundance of natural daylight to flood into the ground floor, creating a welcoming and open atmosphere.
In addition to optimizing the basement for accessibility, we transformed it into a versatile space, serving as a third bedroom complete with a comfortable sofa bed and a home gym. To further enhance its functionality, a new bathroom with a shower was also incorporated into the design.
Accompanying the basement remodel, we also adapted the entrance lobby to seamlessly connect with the new stairwell, providing a cohesive and harmonious transition between floors.
Envisioning the project holistically, we recognized the need to improve the overall approach to the house. As a result, we designed a new pedestrian access in correspondence with the wider section of the sidewalk on the main road. This not only enhances the curb appeal of the property but also ensures a safe and welcoming entrance for residents and visitors alike.
Understanding the importance of natural light, we incorporated two new skylights on the first level of the house. This strategic design decision amplifies the distribution of daylight throughout the entire space, creating a bright and airy ambiance that elevates the overall aesthetic.
The client’s brief also included the refurbishment of an existing green house. Conscious of preserving the original features, the contractor undertook a meticulous approach during the refurbishment process. Striving to retain as many original components as possible, we ensured the seamless blend of historical charm with modern functionality.
Lastly, our scope of work extended to the complete rewiring of the house and the installation of new lighting fixtures, guaranteeing a safe and contemporary electrical infrastructure.
Overall, this project allowed Square One Architects to not only make significant alterations to a historic 1920 house but also to honor its legacy and contribute to the Hampton Village Conservation Area. Our attention to detail and commitment to preserving the original character of the property ensured a seamless integration of modern enhancements while maintaining its timeless charm.
New front and rear garden
The front and rear garden of one of our projects for a house extension in Hampton has been completed and complement the design in a cohesive way.
Our residential projects in South West London (squareonearchitects.co.uk)
This exciting project began back in 2019 when our team was approached by the client who owned a 4-bed semi-detached house in Hampton. Originally built in the 1930s, the property had undergone previous renovations by a former owner, resulting in a ground floor layout that no longer met the needs of the client's growing family.
Our task was to reimagine the space and create a more functional layout that would seamlessly blend with the original character of the house. The project involved a ground floor extension, carefully designed to accommodate an open plan layout that encompassed the kitchen, living, and dining areas, while also providing a separate space dedicated to the children. To enhance the overall ambiance, we incorporated large doors and skylights, allowing an abundance of natural light to flood the space.
Additionally, we reconfigured the entire ground floor to provide well-designed bedrooms and a family bathroom. We meticulously planned every detail, ensuring that each room would serve its purpose with utmost efficiency and harmony. To further maximize the potential of the property, we designed a loft extension to create an additional bedroom complete with its own en-suite.
The end result of this project is a stunning transformation that not only respects the history of the home but also meets the evolving needs of the client's family. With a thoughtfully designed ground floor and a new loft extension, this house is now a harmonious blend of functionality, style, and comfort.
Project schedule #7 Rear Extension in Hampton
Project schedule
Year: 2018-2019
Location: Hampton, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
RIBA Design Stages: 0-5
Architect:
Structural Engineer:
Steve Nicolaou
Building Control:
Building Control Approval
In this schedule we will revisit a project designed in 2018 for a rear extension in Hampton.
This was a very fun project for a young couple and their lovely dog. The existing house was a typical terraced property that had been extended at loft level.
The ground floor of the house also featured a rear extension probably from the 1980’s. The extension had been poorly built at designed and needed renovation. This is a very typical scenario, house extensions built in the 80’s are often mediocre construction with hardly any insulation and poorly performing windows.
In this case the rear extension was also not making the most out of the full width of the site leaving a side-patio that was essentially wasted space.
Internally an opening had been created between the reception room and the rear. More and more clients are asking us to revert these types of feature. The front reception room was usually designed to create a buffer between the street and the more private rear of the house and people are starting to appreciate this feature more and more.
Our project targeted all the problems highlighted above with a new rear extension that included a bright kitchen and dining area and a new WC and utility room in the darker section of the ground floor.
We analysed daylight carefully in order to provide as much natural daylight to the extension as possible. The before and after pictures speak for themselves.
The clients’ feedback was great, they felt the ground floor had been resolved with a rear hallway leading to the ground floor WC (separated from the rest of the living and dining areas). The rear extension features large skylights and Crittall style French doors and window (supplied by Fabco Sanctuary). They also appreciated having a very private front room.
The result is a very practical layout with an open and bright living area that the clients will certainly enjoy in the years to come.
Before and after images
Open plan
Kitchen
External view
Side return
House extension in Twickenham
Check out the pictures of our latest project for a house extension.
This was a very interesting project that we carried out between 2018 and 2019 for a family of three with a small child. The project was in Twickenham and it included a first-floor extension and internal alterations to a peculiar Edwardian house dating from the 18th century.
The existing house included some interesting features; however, it had also been altered and extended in several moments in time and its overall feeling was not very cohesive from a design perspective.
The client had two requests: the first one was to add a bedroom and the second one was for a design that would create a sense of cohesion throughout the property.
The house was located just outside the Twickenham Green Conservation Area and this was quite a lucky coincidence, because obviously being within a conservation area means that you must take on board the conservation officers’ opinion.
From a planning perspective the project presented its own difficulties. With the client we agreed to submit a design for a first-floor extension to the rear. This type of extensions is always quite challenging planning-wise because of the potential to block other properties’ windows and to give a sense of enclosure to the neighbors, especially in a terraced house type of scenario.
The other challenge was the presence of a property nearby that was owned by a developer who had submitted a planning application proposing several alterations that would have an impact on our clients’ property, once implemented. In other words, everything we proposed had to consider the ongoing development next door.
At the very beginning of the project we considered several options. The first one was a very simple loft extension and the second one was a first-floor rear extension. We analysed all these options with the client and ultimately the decision ended up being made on both a design and a financial basis. The first-floor extension proved to be more efficient from both a spatial and especially a financial point of view. It also allowed to level up the ceiling of the property creating a more cohesive internal look.
The result is a project that that optimized the existing layout of the house, added a much needed extra bedroom, eliminated all internal steps and created consistent ceiling levels throughout the whole property.
A-frame extension in Hampton
Our project for an A-frame rear extension in Hampton has been completed and is now live. You can have a look at the latest photos by clicking here.
This project dates back from 2016 when our client, a young family of four with two children, got in touch with Square One Architects to design a single storey rear extension for their house, a 1930s semi-detached 2-bedroom property in Hampton.
The existing house was typical and featured a non-original conservatory that used to be too hot in the summer and too cold in winter. The rest of the ground floor was not very spacious and quite dark.
The client’s brief included the demolition of the existing conservatory and creation of a new extension with an open plan solution. The new open plan would include a generous kitchen, dining area and living space.
The client expressed an interest for a very specific type of structure that featured an “A-frame” , including a gable window and a set of bi-fold doors. This is not an unusual configuration; however, it presents its own challenges when built as an extension to an existing period building. The biggest challenge for this project was in fact the integration of the structural solution (designed by our structural engineer) and the existing structure.
The other challenge was planning. In first instance the council deemed the proposed full-width extension to be too large so we had to go through a negotiation process that led to the final solution which includes the rear extension and flat roofed side extension.
Square One architects managed to overcome these difficulties and delivered the project that our client wanted. The result is an incredibly spacious extension that benefits from a generous amount of daylight. As usual daylight was predicted using daylight simulation methods that come from our Director’s background in lighting design.
Project schedule #6 Rear Extension in Hampton Hill
Project schedule
Year: 2016-2017
Location: Hampton Hill, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
RIBA Design Stages: 0-5
Architect:
Structural Engineer:
Building Control:
Building Control Approval
This project for a rear extension in Hampton Hill dates to 2016.
The clients, a retired couple, asked us to extend their property to the back. The existing house was a typical 1930’s semi-detached dwelling with a large garden to the rear. The clients’ initial brief was for a straightforward three meters rear extension with some internal alterations that would allow them to have an open plan layout, however they had an additional request: to retain a sunny corner in their outdoor patio. This led to the decision to design a three meters rear extension built under Permitted Development that would not use the full width of the rear garden in order to retain the sunny corner that our clients loved so much.
In order to highlight this design intention, we proposed to have an L-shaped window that would provide views to the rear garden and to the side patio at the same time. A set of large French Doors was then designed to allow access to the site patio. The client was also very keen to use triple glazed Swedish windows and chose West Coast Windows as their supplier.
It was agreed with the client to have a flat roof extension reminiscent of the 1930’s minimalist approach that would create a nice contrast with the existing style of the house. In order to highlight this minimalist approach, we concealed all the rainwater pipes within the new walls.
The same logic informed the materials inside the extension where a herringbone wood floor was chosen for both the existing and the new section.
As we always do, we simulated the amount of daylight that the extension would receive depending on the moment of the year to guarantee that the new new space would be very bright at any moment of the year without any overheating.
The result is an extension that enhances the existing building and is very cohesive in terms of interior design with the rest of the property. In this circumstance we worked with an interior designer who happened to be our clients’ daughter in terms of internal materials and color palette. It was a very successful project that pleased all the parties involved.
Before and after images
Rear elevation
Dining and sitting area
Project schedule #5 House Extension in Byfleet and New Haw
Project schedule
Year: 2018-2019
Location: Byfleet and New Haw, Runnymede Borough Council
RIBA Design Stages: 0-5
Architect:
Structural Engineer:
Building Control:
This project was for an extension to a large detached house in Byfleet and New Haw for a family of three with a small child.
When the client got in touch with us in first instance, we visited the site and found that the house needed a renovation. The client was also not satisfied with the ground floor arrangement that was very partitioned and formed rooms that where both small and dark.
At first floor level the layout was more acceptable, however the house lacked the presence of a real master bedroom with a dressing area and an en-suite bathroom, which is something that you would expect from a property of this size.
Our brief was to extend a house with a rear extension and form a new open plan layout including a kitchen, dining area and sitting area. The client also requested a first-floor side extension on top of an existing garage that would provide space for an en-suite bathroom and dressing area linked to an existing bedroom.
We considered two options for the existing garage. The first one was to retain it and build on top of it and the the second one was to demolish and rebuild. As it often happens in these cases the option to replace the existing garage ended up being more cost-effective. It is not unusual to find period structure that are not able to carry any extra load from a structural point of view, especially at foundation level. In these instances, we always suggest our clients to hire a builder for a couple of hours, perform several trial pits and then submit the results to a structural engineer that will decide whether the existing structure is suitable or not. All the details will then need to be confirmed with Building Control.
The ground floor rear extension also features a set of large bi-fold doors that opens towards the rear garden and a window in correspondence of the kitchen sink. A set of two large flat roof lantern skylights also help bringing daylight in the new open plan area.
The first-floor side extension also features rear and front windows and a large skylight that guarantees uniform levels of daylight throughout the whole floor plan.
The clients’ feedback was very positive, and we appreciated hearing that they used their new spaces in a more practical way with their toddler always in sight. That's a big advantage of open plan layouts!
Before and after images
Rear elevation
Kitchen and dining area
Front elevation