The Project
Build 12msq single storey extension, extend porch, create two rooms downstairs, one for the adults and one for the children. Change garage into work studio. Provide interior design service for all areas.
The house which, is a late 1990’s property in Marshfield, had an open plan layout downstairs and a downstairs WC which was situated at the front of the property as you entered through the front door. The house and its layout didn’t flow with the everyday needs of its occupants. To access the kitchen, you were required to walk through the front room and to reach the ground floor WC, you had to go via the living room.The architect opened up the hallway, providing access to the kitchen, garden, utility and new toilet through the middle of the house making it far more user friendly. I suggested that the living room and dining area be made into separate areas. this would then create a separate space for relaxing and provide a family room off the kitchen which, would be independent of the front room, making it a great space for children and entertaining as it would lead straight on to the garden via new Bi-fold doors.
Originally the ground floor WC was placed within the new studio, which limited the floor space of this area and also meant that the toilet still needed to be accessed at the front of the property. I suggested that the access to the toilet should be from the utility room, which allowed entry via the kitchen and also the external utility room door.
The Extension
The single storey extension was built where the conservatory was originally sited and also extended to fill the dead space around it. This provided a larger kitchen area/living space for the client and gave easy access to the utility room and new WC.
Creating New Spaces
Separating the areas and opening up new ones was an essential part of this project to allow the house to flow and become more family friendly. Initially the front room, dining area, which was used as a studio for the client’s small business, and the kitchen were linked and the only route to and from anywhere. Moving the downstairs WC, installing a wall between the living and dining area, suddenly made the property seem far more spacious and fit for purpose.
We also created and built a bespoke window seat with lighting and soft furnishings for lounging and reading a book with a nice cup of tea or glass of wine.
The circulation areas of the house have been completely transformed. Stairs and floors upstairs were clad in engineered oak, and the ground floor in wood effect tiles. All original pine doors were painted white along with all wood work, with a soft grey on the walls. The results speak for themselves.
The new studio, off the hall, into the old garage has become an independent place to work and has freed up the dining area for family use.We fitted a loft hatch and new window to the front of the property which, has created the illusion of a much larger house externally.
The Garden
In addition to creating new spaces internally I was also asked to design a garden layout. The client had a wish list of items to incorporate which we worked towards. The garden which once was overgrown with trees, water-logged form December to March is now much more airy and spacious.
We removed, trees and an old pond from the rear of the garden and replaced the waterlogged grassed area with artificial grass. The area where the pond used to be was unlikely to be used as it was very dark and obsolete as a play area. I suggested an elevated platform for the children to play on. The result is a treehouse style area which, works perfectly and has added to the floor area that can be utilised. Its even a good space to lounge with some comfy cushions. We installed a patio area outside the bi-fold doors for entertaining and a hot tub, with canopy and bar, both adults and children now have there own play areas.
We would like to thank:
BT Morgan - Plumbing / David Ford -Electrician / A Lick of Paint - Decorating Services / Tilepro - Tiling / JR Scaffolding / Rhys Peck -Roofing / Russell Ivins- Fatra - Roofing Contractor